The New England Patriots returned to Gillette Stadium with renovations.
The organization promoted tight end C.J. Dippre to the 53-man roster and waived safety John Saunders Jr. to make room on Monday, it
was announced amid a series of moves.
Dippre, 23, arrived in Foxborough as part of the 2025 undrafted class in May. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound rookie tight end now joins an active depth chart featuring captain Hunter Henry and fellow veteran Austin Hooper, who has been in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Spending two seasons at Maryland and two seasons at Alabama, Dippre totaled 65 receptions for 782 yards and three touchdowns during his collegiate run. He played 59 offensive snaps in the preseason before clearing waivers and signing to the practice squad at its formation.
Saunders, 24, was added to the 53-man roster by way of the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad in October. After being a healthy scratch, the 6-foot-2, 210-pound rookie safety was active but did not play last Thursday night against the New York Jets. Saunders went undrafted in the spring after making stops with the Miami RedHawks and Ole Miss Rebels. He recorded six tackles as well as an interception in August preseason action.
In additional Monday movement, linebacker Otis Reese has been signed to the practice squad with three-time standard elevation Darius Harris placed on injured reserve.
Reese, 27, entered the league with a familiar Tennessee Titans staff as an undrafted free agent in 2023. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound linebacker out of Georgia and Ole Miss appeared in 20 games while in Nashville. Starting five, he logged 38 tackles between defense and special teams. Reese had a hand in one stop for loss and one interception before spending time on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad earlier in the fall.
Harris, 29, reverted to the practice squad for the final time last week. Signed prior to the September opener, the 6-foot-2, 238-pound linebacker totaled 52 snaps and four tackles on special teams as a call-up. Undrafted in 2019, Harris has also been a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He stands 40 games, including six starts, into an NFL run featuring three Super Bowl wins. The Middle Tennessee product has registered 63 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries in his career.
Mike Vrabel was asked Monday whether a 53-man promotion was in consideration for the core-four contributor.
“Yeah, we would,” the Patriots head coach told reporters. “I just don’t think physically right now Darius is going to be able to. So, we’ll have to see where that goes.”
