With starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined due to a toe injury, the New England Patriots have added veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson to bolster their backfield ahead of Sunday’s game.
Johnson was initially signed to the Patriots’ practice squad earlier this week following Stevenson’s injury. However, New England has now promoted Johnson to the 53-man roster, positioning him to make his Patriots debut against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium.
As a seven-year NFL veteran, Johnson brings valuable experience to a Patriots’ running back group that has seen significant changes recently. Currently, the only other running backs on the roster are 2025 second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson and 2024 undrafted free agent Terrell Jennings.
At the start of the season, the Patriots’ running back position was among the deepest spots on the roster, led by proven talents Stevenson and Antonio Gibson, with Henderson also expected to get significant snaps. However, with Gibson’s season-ending ACL injury in early October and Stevenson dealing with his foot injury, the depth in the backfield has notably diminished.
Henderson is expected to take the majority of carries this Sunday, but Johnson could play a meaningful role not only on offense but also on special teams. Since Gibson’s injury, New England has been searching for a replacement kick returner. Head coach Bill Belichick and the special teams coordinator have been utilizing Henderson alongside Efton Chism and Kyle Williams in kick return duties.
Given Johnson’s NFL experience as a kick returner, he presents another option should the Patriots choose to deploy him in that capacity.
Throughout his seven seasons, Johnson has appeared in games with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Arizona Cardinals. His most productive season came in 2021 with the Browns, when he amassed 671 scrimmage yards—534 rushing and 137 receiving—along with three touchdowns.
While the Patriots could still explore acquiring another running back before Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline—an idea speculated on by insiders such as Adam Schefter—it appears that unless Stevenson’s injury keeps him out for multiple weeks, adding a running back may not be as pressing as reinforcing other positions, particularly on defense.
As the season progresses, how New England manages its backfield remains to be seen. For Sunday’s matchup, it will be Henderson, Jennings, and Johnson working together to help the Patriots secure a sixth consecutive win.
Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Gillette Stadium.
https://www.boston.com/sports/new-england-patriots/2025/11/02/nfl-patriots-news-dernest-johnson-practice-squad-elevation/