New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots are ready to roll for their Week 9 contest against the Atlanta Falcons. While the team is largely healthy, they will be without a key piece of their offense, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, as he was ruled out for this game on Friday due to a toe injury.
Stevenson has had his issues with fumbles this season, but he has remained the team’s top running back through it all. Stevenson’s ability to contribute in the passing game, whether it be as a receiver or blocker, will be sorely missed against a potent Falcons defense.
Without him and Antonio Gibson, who tore his ACL back in Week 5, that leaves rookie TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings, who was signed to the active roster from the practice squad earlier this week, as the only running backs available.
After signing Jennings, the Pats’ front office went out and signed three running backs (D’Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker) to the practice squad. With the coaching staff looking for another layer of depth at this position, Johnson got elevated to the active roster for the team’s Week 9 action.
“Patriots elevate RB D’Ernest Johnson to the active roster,” the team announced in a post on X.
Johnson is in his seventh NFL season, having previously suited up for the Arizona Cardinals earlier this season. Primarily used as a backup, Johnson showed the ability to make things happen back in 2021 with the Cleveland Browns, as he racked up 534 yards and three touchdowns on 100 carries.
With Henderson and Jennings in front of him, Johnson will likely play sparingly in this game, unless something happens to one of Henderson or Jennings. New England is looking for its sixth-straight win on Sunday, with kickoff for its upcoming contest against the Atlanta Falcons scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
