TAMPA – After ruling out three starters, the Patriots are adding reinforcements with veteran experience.
On Saturday, the Patriots elevated linebacker Darius Harris and running back D’Ernest Johnson from their practice squad to their game-day roster. This move comes after the team ruled out running back Rhamondre Stevenson (toe), receiver Kayshon Boutte (hamstring) and linebacker Christian Elliss (hip) on Friday.
By adding Harris and Johnson, the Patriots call up two players with years of experience.
Johnson, 29, has been in the NFL since 2019. The running back spent his first four seasons in Cleveland, where he ran for a career-high 534 yards with three touchdowns in 2021.
Johnson spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Jacksonville, where he was used as a backup running back. He played in one game with the Arizona Cardinals this season. After being released from their practice squad, he signed with the Patriots the next day. Johnson was called up last week in the Patriots matchup with Atlanta. He played five special teams snaps.
“Yeah, working hard. I love his attitude,” Mike Vrabel said of Johnson. “He came in here ready to compete, to earn our trust, his teammates’ trust, protection, and carrying the ball. So, I’ve liked everything that he’s done since he’s been here.”
On Sunday, in Tampa, the Patriots will lean on younger running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings, with Johnson providing depth and experience.
With Elliss out, the Patriots have Robert Spillane, Jack Gibbens, Jahlani Tavai, and Marte Mapu at linebacker. With Harris, the Patriots call up a player with a championship pedigree and special teams experience.
Harris entered the league as an undrafted free agent with Kansas City in 2019. From 2020 to 2023, he played in 33 games with the Chiefs, winning three Super Bowl titles. Harris’ best season came in 2022 when he played in 17 games, making four starts, and finished with 43 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Last season, Harris played in four games with the Dallas Cowboys, all on special teams. This season, he was called up for the Patriots game against Carolina, playing 16 special teams snaps.
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