The New England Patriots have made several changes to their roster, according to an announcement from the team on December 13, 2025. Running back D’Ernest Johnson has been signed to the 53-man roster from the practice squad, while running back Terrell Jennings has been placed on injured reserve. Additionally, defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III has been elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.
Johnson, age 29, was previously elevated by the Patriots for three consecutive games this season and appeared in matchups against Atlanta on November 2, at Tampa Bay on November 9, and versus the New York Jets on November 13. He is currently in his seventh NFL season and has played for multiple teams including the Cleveland Browns (2019-22), Jacksonville Jaguars (2023-24), Baltimore Ravens (2025), and Arizona Cardinals (2025). Johnson entered the league as a rookie free agent with Cleveland out of South Florida in 2019. After four seasons with Cleveland, he joined Jacksonville as an unrestricted free agent in 2023 before signing with Baltimore in 2025. Earlier this year, he spent time on both the Ravens and Cardinals practice squads before being released by Arizona on October 28 after one game appearance. The following day, he signed with New England.
Over his career, Johnson has played in 99 games with three starts. He has accumulated a total of 219 rushing attempts for 996 yards and three touchdowns along with 53 receptions for 465 yards. In addition to his offensive contributions, Johnson has returned 33 kicks for a total of 772 yards.
Leonard Taylor III, age 23, joined New England’s practice squad on October 16 after being released by the New York Jets two days earlier. Taylor originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent out of Miami (Fla.) in 2024. Standing at six-foot-three and weighing 305 pounds, Taylor has played in sixteen NFL games so far in his career and recorded twenty-seven tackles, one-and-a-half sacks, and two passes defensed.