Pats Pulpit
D’Ernest Johnson and Darius Harris reverted to the New England Patriots’ practice squad on Monday after serving as standard elevations at Raymond James Stadium.
The 28-23 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers marked the second call-ups for both NFL veterans. Three are permitted before requiring a move to the 53-man roster to take the field.
Johnson, 29, has appeared in consecutive games since signing in Foxborough in late October. The running back continued to work back deep on four kickoff returns. He also spelled in for six offensive snaps on Sunday behind rookie standout TreVeyon Henderson and recent promotion Terrell Jennings, who was downgraded with a knee injury after halftime. A toe injury kept incumbent starter Rhamondre Stevenson inactive for a second week.
Handling one carry for one yard as well as blitz pickup, Johnson stands 98 games into his NFL run. Undrafted in 2018, the 5-foot-10, 208-pound South Florida product set out the following year with the Alliance of American Football’s Orlando Apollos. He has since spent time with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. Totaling three starts and three touchdowns, the former FedEx Ground Player of the Week’s career includes 216 rushes for 990 yards and 53 receptions for 467 yards.
Harris, 29, played 18 snaps in the kicking game between all four core units on Sunday. The linebacker was elevated on the heels of starter Christian Elliss being ruled out with a hip injury. Previously reverting after logging a pair of tackles and 16 snaps on special teams against the Carolina Panthers, he joined the practice squad in early September.
Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Harris has also been a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He has appeared in 39 games, starting six on defense, and seen extensive postseason action on the way to three Super Bowl rings. The 6-foot-2, 238-pound Middle Tennessee product’s career includes 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
A quick turnaround is underway for head coach Mike Vrabel and the 8-2 AFC East leaders. The New York Jets visit Gillette Stadium on Thursday for an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff.
