The New England Patriots made sweeping changes to the practice squad ahead of their divisional round matchup with the Houston Texans on Sunday.
New England announced that the signings of cornerback Miles Battle, running back D’Ernest Johnson, wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. and offensive lineman Lorenz Metz, as well as the releases of defensive lineman Fabien Lovett and wide receiver Brandon Smith.
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. Johnson appeared in seven games for the club this season, and is a prime candidate to be elevated from the practice squad.
Battle, 25, has bounced between the practice squad and active roster for two seasons, most recently being released from the active roster on Dec. 29, signed back to the practice squad on Jan. 1, then released from the practice squad on Jan. 8.
Sherfield, 29, is in his eighth season after spending time with the Arizona Cardinals (2018-20, 2025), San Francisco 49ers (2021), Miami Dolphins (2022), Buffalo Bills (2023), Minnesota Vikings (2024) and Denver Broncos (2025).
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Metz, 26, spent each of the last two seasons on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad as part of the International Player Pathway Program, which came following a stint with the Chicago Bears in 2023. New England receives a roster exemption for the international player, which is why the practice squad currently sits at 17.
The Patriots have one available spot on the active roster, as of Tuesday.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images
