Patriots Make Familiar Roster Elevations For Divisional Round Vs. Texans

The New England Patriots added some reinforcements prior to their divisional round matchup with the Houston Texans on Sunday.

New England announced it elevated defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III and running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster on Saturday.

Taylor, 23, was elevated for three games during the regular season, as well as last weekend’s wild-card matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers — providing key depth along the interior during the absences of Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga. The Patriots signed him to the practice squad on Oct. 16, 2025.

Johnson, 29, was cut loose from the active roster on Monday, with many believing it was in order make room for cornerback Alex Austin to be activated off injured reserve prior to Sunday’s game at Gillette Stadium. New England utilized the veteran running back as its third-string option throughout each of the last seven weeks, and will once again after bringing him back on the practice squad on Tuesday.

The Patriots also announced that cornerback Alex Austin was activated to the active roster from injured reserve on Saturday.