Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots will host the Atlanta Falcons with a midweek addition in the backfield.
The organization elevated veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad on the eve of Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium.
Johnson, 29, will join rookie TreVeyon Henderson and recent promotion Terrell Jennings on the active depth chart. His call-up comes 24 hours after starter Rhamondre Stevenson was ruled out on the final injury report due to a toe issue.
After being released from the practice squad of the Arizona Cardinals, Johnson made his way to Foxborough in the same capacity on Wednesday. Standing 96 games into his NFL run, the South Florida product has totaled 989 yards through 215 carries and 465 yards through 53 catches. His career includes three touchdowns as well as three starts.
A year after going undrafted, Johnson set out with the Orlando Apollos in the now-defunct Alliance of American Football in 2019. The 5-foot-10, 208-pound rusher entered the NFL ranks later that spring with the Cleveland Browns. He went on to be named FedEx Ground Player of the Week in 2021 after amassing 146 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.
Stints with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens followed before Johnson served as an elevation earlier this fall in the NFC West. Adding experience as a kick returner, he has logged 892 snaps on offense and 931 snaps on special teams during his time in the league.
“I think that, again, different categories of players that are on the practice squad,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel said of Johnson on Friday. “Young guys that you’re taking a look at maybe for future development, you see how they fit into what you do. Then, other guys that have played in this league and can get ready on a shorter amount of time.”
Fellow running backs Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker also joined the practice squad ahead of the Falcons matchup.
Sunday’s kickoff in Foxborough is set for 1 p.m. ET.
