The New England Patriots were busy reshuffling the deck ahead of their AFC Championship showdown with the Denver Broncos, making a series of roster moves that reflect both necessity and strategy.
Let’s break it down.
The Patriots elevated defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III and running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster. Those moves suggest New England is looking to fortify both sides of the ball-adding fresh legs to the backfield and depth to the defensive front.
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (hamstring) and running back Terrell Jennings (concussion) were not activated off injured reserve. That’s a blow, especially considering Jennings’ potential impact as a change-of-pace back. But the team clearly isn’t willing to rush either player back at this stage of the postseason.
On a more positive note, wide receiver Mack Hollins was activated off injured reserve. Hollins brings size, experience, and a physical presence to the receiving corps-an asset in a playoff game where contested catches and downfield blocking can swing momentum.
Defensive lineman Eric Gregory was placed on injured reserve, ending his season and thinning out the D-line rotation. That’s a tough loss, especially with the Broncos’ run game heating up at the right time. And in a corresponding move, wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. was released from the practice squad.
That last one’s worth a closer look.
Sherfield, 29, had only been with the Patriots for 11 days. His release just before a matchup against his former team-the Denver Broncos-adds a layer of intrigue.
He spent part of the season in Denver, making three catches including a touchdown before being cut in mid-November. There was a moment earlier in the year when Sherfield connected with Jarrett Stidham for a deep touchdown-one of those plays that flashes potential.
But in New England, the timing just didn’t line up.
Interestingly, Sherfield isn’t the only player to see a brief stint in Foxborough end just as quickly. Darrell Taylor, 28, had a similar experience.
He was with the Patriots for nine days before being released shortly after the team’s divisional round win over the Houston Texans. Like Sherfield, Taylor didn’t get the chance to suit up against a former team.
These quick turnarounds aren’t uncommon in the NFL, especially late in the season when teams are fine-tuning their rosters in real time. Injuries, matchups, and special teams needs can all factor into who stays and who goes. Still, it’s notable that two veterans with ties to playoff opponents were brought in and let go in such short order.
For the Patriots, it’s all about the next man up. With the AFC Championship on the line, they’re clearly making moves with precision-looking to maximize every roster spot for the matchup ahead.