Patriots Add Pair Of Newcomers To Gameday Roster Vs. Bills

The Patriots will add a pair of newcomers to the fold Sunday.

New England elevated wide receiver Alex Erickson and linebacker Monty Rice from the practice squad on Saturday, with both expected to play special teams roles against the Buffalo Bills.

Erickson, 32, was signed Wednesday, with his eventual role being rather obvious. The Patriots ruled out cornerback/returner Marcus Jones on Friday, and signed the veteran wide receiver knowing he could fill in on special teams — which he has done for the Los Angeles Chargers, Cincinnati Bengals, Houston Texans, Carolina Panthers, Washington Commanders and New York Jets throughout his surprisingly lengthy career.

Rice also will be expected to play a role in the third phase, which has been asked of every defensive elevation this season for New England. It’s only been a few weeks since the 2021 third-round pick joined the practice squad, but he does have experience playing defensively if needed.

The Patriots also officially signed running back Terrell Jennings to the active roster, which was previously reported by The Boston Globe’s Christopher Price.

New England and Buffalo will kick things off at 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday.