A member of the practice squad became a member of active roster on the eve of the season opener.
The New England Patriots promoted defensive tackle Cory Durden to the 53 ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The organization waived defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. in a corresponding move, and also announced the standard elevations of linebacker Mark Robinson and cornerback Corey Ballentine from the practice squad.
Durden, 26, joined the practice squad in Foxborough following the NFL’s
roster deadline at the end of August. The 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive lineman out of Florida State and North Carolina State entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Detroit Lions in 2023. He made a subsequent stop with the Los Angeles Rams before being signed to the New York Giants’ 53-man roster late last campaign. Durden has appeared in eight career games, accruing 13 tackles across 128 snaps on defense and 37 snaps on special teams.
Pharms, 28, made his way to the Patriots prior to training camp in 2022 and has since appeared in 28 games, starting a handful. The 6-foot-2, 300-pound defensive tackle had a hand in 42 tackles, two sacks and one fumble recovery over that span. By way of Sacramento City College, San Joaquin Delta College and Friends University, Pharms went undrafted in 2019. He spent time with the Champions Indoor Football League’s Wichita Force and USFL’s Pittsburgh Maulers before entering the NFL ranks.
Robinson, 26, signed to the group of 17 shortly after its formation. The 5-foot-11, 235-pound linebacker began his NFL run with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the seventh round of the 2022 draft at No. 225 overall and became a free agent in August. Through 38 games, Robinson has tallied 45 tackles, one sack, three forced fumbles and four starts. The product of Presbyterian, Southeast Missouri State and Ole Miss has seen 203 snaps on defense and 619 snaps on special teams.
Ballentine, 29, also joined the practice squad prior to Labor Day weekend. The 5-foot-11, 196-pound vested veteran was selected by the Giants in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL draft at No. 180 overall. He has appeared in 69 games and made 11 starts at cornerback through subsequent tours with the New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts and Green Bay Packers. A former Cliff Harris Award winner out of Washburn, Ballentine stands with 100 tackles, one interception, two forced fumbles, one recovery as well as 23.7 yards per kickoff return.
New England’s final injury report of the week saw reigning All-Pro Christian Gonzalez ruled out, while offensive tackle Will Campbell and cornerback Charles Woods were both listed as questionable to face Las Vegas.
Kickoff at Gillette Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET.
