After making a midweek visit to Gillette Stadium, Xavier Newman-Johnson will be staying around.
The New England Patriots officially signed the veteran offensive lineman to the practice squad on Thursday as part of a reshuffle along the interior.
Newman-Johnson, 27, had been hosted by the organization on the heels of being released from the New York Jets’ practice squad. The 6-foot-2, 297-pound guard stands 25 games into his run in the NFL and has made five starts.
Originally entering the league with
the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Newman-Johnson spent parts of two seasons with head coach Mike Vrabel’s former club before heading to the AFC East. The Baylor product resided between the practice squad, 53-man roster and injured reserve while in Florham Park. His career includes 338 snaps on offense, 68 snaps on special teams and time at center in addition to both guard spots.
To make room among the group of 17, the Patriots released rookie offensive lineman Jacob Rizy from the practice squad, as first reported by the Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan.
Rizy, 24, entered the NFL as a member of New England’s 2026 undrafted class in May. The 6-foot-5, 306-pounder played 155 snaps at center through three preseason games before being waived in advance of the league’s 53-man roster deadline. After going unclaimed, he signed to the practice squad at its formation on the final day of August.
A former second-team and first-team All-Ivy League selection, Rizy spent three campaigns at Harvard and two campaigns at Florida State. The 27-game starter saw work at center, left guard, right guard and right tackle during his collegiate career.
The Pittsburgh Steelers visit Foxborough on Sunday. The home opener is set for 1 p.m. ET.
