Patriots Weigh Roster Moves Ahead of Divisional Clash with Texans
With just two days to go before their divisional-round showdown against the Texans, the Patriots have some decisions to make - and one open spot on the 53-man roster to fill.
That vacancy was created earlier in the week when the team waived veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson. Johnson cleared waivers and re-signed to the practice squad, keeping him in the fold as a potential gameday elevation option. But with the postseason stakes rising, the Patriots are weighing whether to use that open roster spot now - or hold onto it a little longer.
Two players are in the mix for activation from injured reserve: running back Terrell Jennings, who remains in concussion protocol, and cornerback Alex Austin, who’s recovering from a wrist injury. Head coach Mike Vrabel addressed the situation Friday, noting the team is still evaluating the health of those players and how the rest of the roster shapes up heading into Sunday.
“We’ll kind of see where they are tomorrow, see where we are on the roster,” Vrabel said. “That’s something that could happen.
When you’re at 52, you have some space - but if you go over 53, then somebody’s got to go. We’ll just see where we’re at tomorrow.”
Translation: the Patriots are keeping their options open, but they’ll need to make a move soon.
One area where the need is clear is at running back. With Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson the only backs currently on the 53-man roster, New England will need to add a third option for depth - especially in a playoff game where every snap matters. That could mean activating Jennings if he clears protocol, or calling Johnson back up from the practice squad.
Defensively, there are a few more moving parts. Leonard Taylor III is a likely candidate to be elevated from the practice squad to bolster the defensive line.
The recently signed Darrell Taylor, a former Texan, could also be in play - particularly if outside linebacker Harold Landry, who’s dealing with a knee injury, can’t go. Landry is officially listed as questionable.
There’s also a strategic wrinkle in play. The Patriots could choose to keep that 53rd spot open for now, with an eye toward next week’s AFC Championship Game - assuming they get there. Wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (hamstring) are both working their way back, and could be candidates to return if the Patriots advance.
Hollins, in particular, is a name to watch. He was a starting wideout before going down in Week 16, and while Vrabel didn’t offer a firm timeline, he left the door open for a potential return.
“We won’t be able to see him for another three weeks,” Vrabel said last month. “At that point in time, then we would make a decision, and I hope that’s one we could make. But right now, I don’t think I can predict anything.”
On the back end, the cornerback room has stabilized. Alex Austin started early in the year when Christian Gonzalez was sidelined, but he’s since been passed on the depth chart by Charles Woods.
Rookie Kobee Minor has also earned a spot on the active roster. With Gonzalez now healthy and out of concussion protocol, cornerback isn’t an immediate area of concern.
So the Patriots head into the weekend with a bit of roster flexibility - and a few tough calls to make. Whether it’s plugging in depth for Sunday or keeping a long-term eye on potential returns, Vrabel and his staff are playing the roster game carefully. And in the playoffs, every move counts.