With Super Bowl 60 just days away, the final roster moves are in - and both the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks have made some intriguing last-minute decisions that could quietly shape Sunday’s showdown.
Let’s start with New England. Head coach Mike Vrabel elevated two familiar faces to the active roster: running back D’Ernest Johnson and defensive end Leonard Taylor III.
Neither name is new to Patriots fans - Johnson is set to suit up for his 11th game of the season, while Taylor will make his seventh appearance. But don’t let the depth-chart labels fool you.
These are players who’ve made the most of their opportunities.
Johnson has primarily contributed on special teams this year, particularly as a kickoff returner. He brings a steady presence and a burst that could flip field position - a hidden but crucial factor in a game where every yard matters. With the Patriots expected to lean on a multi-back rotation, Johnson could also see spot duty in the run game if needed.
Then there’s Taylor, who made one of the AFC Championship Game’s most underrated plays - getting a hand on a late Denver field-goal attempt that could’ve tied it up. That kind of impact doesn’t always show up in the box score, but it’s exactly the kind of moment that can tilt a postseason game. Taylor’s role may be situational, but he’s proven he can deliver when the lights are brightest.
These aren’t headline-grabbing moves, but they’re the kind of strategic roster tweaks that championship teams make - shoring up special teams, adding insurance at key positions, and trusting players who’ve earned their stripes over the course of a long season.
Seattle, meanwhile, made a pair of moves of their own, prompted in part by the lingering injury to running back Zach Charbonnet, who remains sidelined after getting hurt prior to the NFC title game. To reinforce their backfield depth behind Kenneth Walker III, the Seahawks activated Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr.
Akers, when healthy, is a dynamic runner with playoff experience - someone who can slide into a complementary role and keep the offense on schedule. Jones, known for his speed and return ability, adds another layer of flexibility, particularly on special teams and gadget plays.
With both teams now locked in, these final roster decisions could end up playing a bigger role than expected. Super Bowls are won not just by stars, but by the players who step up when the moment calls - whether it’s a blocked kick, a key return, or a timely third-down conversion.
Sunday’s matchup is loaded with storylines, but don’t sleep on the depth pieces. They might just write the chapter that decides it all.