FOXBORO — The Patriots will need to make a roster move by Sunday’s game against the Bills.
Head coach Mike Vrabel announced Friday afternoon that the team will add running back D’Ernest Johnson to the 53-man roster by Sunday afternoon. That move comes after the team ruled out running back Terrell Jennings with a concussion.
Johnson has already been elevated from the practice squad a maximum three times. To play in another game, the veteran running back must be signed to the 53-man roster.
The Patriots could elect to place Jennings on injured reserve to free up a roster spot. Otherwise, they would likely need to waive a player and risk losing him to another team. The final four players who have been added to the Patriots’ roster are cornerback Miles Battle, offensive tackle Thayer Munford, tight end CJ Dippre and outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson. Munford is not an option to be cut. The Patriots must keep a roster spot for Munford for three weeks since he was signed off of another team’s practice squad. Munford was signed away from the Browns ahead of Week 13.
Johnson, 29, has carried the ball five times for 7 yards this season. He has 219 career carries for 996 yards with three touchdowns. He’s also caught 53 passes for 465 yards.
The Patriots signed veteran running back Craig Reynolds to their practice squad late last month, and he would have been an option to elevate, but he was placed on injured reserve this week. The team also has rookie running back Jashaun Corbin on their practice squad.
Running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson are both healthy, but the Patriots typically like to dress a third running back for depth and special-teams ability.
Jennings has carried the ball 23 times for 73 yards with a touchdown this season. He’s also returned two kicks for 59 yards and caught one 9-yard pass.
