The New England Patriots are sticking with a familiar formula as they prepare for Sunday’s AFC Championship matchup, elevating defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III and running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster for the second straight week.
For Taylor, this marks yet another step in what’s become a quietly impressive run. The 23-year-old has now been called up for three regular-season games and both playoff contests - the Wild Card win over the Chargers and the Divisional Round clash with the Texans.
Thanks to the NFL’s postseason rules, players can be elevated an unlimited number of times in the playoffs, and the Patriots are taking full advantage of that with Taylor. Since joining the practice squad back on October 16, he’s carved out a role as a dependable depth piece on the defensive front - exactly the kind of reinforcement teams need this time of year.
Johnson, meanwhile, continues his rollercoaster ride with New England. The 29-year-old veteran was released from the active roster a few weeks ago but quickly returned via the practice squad.
Since then, he’s been a steady presence as the team’s third running back, providing valuable insurance behind the top two backs. While his touches have been limited, his experience and versatility have kept him in the mix - and clearly, the coaching staff still sees value in having him available on game day.
The Patriots also made a few other roster decisions ahead of Sunday’s showdown. Defensive lineman Joshua Farmer (hamstring) and running back Terrell Jennings (concussion) will remain on injured reserve and won’t be activated for the AFC title game. But there’s some good news on the offensive side - wide receiver Mack Hollins, who’s been dealing with an abdominal injury, has been activated and is expected to suit up.
Hollins’ return adds another layer to New England’s receiving corps, especially in a game where every possession will matter. His size and ability to stretch the field could be a factor if the Patriots look to open up the offense and keep the opposing defense honest.
As the Patriots gear up for their biggest game of the season, the message is clear: trust the depth, lean on the guys who’ve stepped up all year, and keep the roster as battle-ready as possible. Taylor and Johnson may not be the headliners, but in January football, it’s often the unsung contributors who make the difference.