The New England Patriots will have experience on hand versus the New York Jets.
The organization elevated running back D’Ernest Johnson and linebacker Darius Harris from the practice squad for Thursday
night’s matchup at Gillette Stadium.
Both vested veterans now stand at the NFL limit in standard call-ups. Any further appearances would require moves to the 53-man roster.
Johnson, 29, has been turned to three times in as many weeks. The 5-foot-10, 208-pound running back stands with six snaps on offense and nine snaps on special teams since since signing in Foxborough at the end of October. Amid attrition, he’s stepped in for one carry, pass protection as well as work back deep as a kickoff returner.
A veteran of 98 games, Johnson went undrafted in 2018. After getting underway with the Alliance of American Football’s Orlando Apollos, the South Florida product became a FedEx Ground Player of the Week while with the Cleveland Browns. He has since been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. Logging three starts and three touchdowns, his time in the league includes 216 rushes for 990 yards and 53 receptions for 467 yards. It also includes 15 tackles and an average of 23.4 yards per kick return.
Harris, 29, served as an elevation last Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after previously getting the call against the Carolina Panthers. Between those matchups, the 6-foot-2, 238-pound linebacker totaled 34 snaps on special teams. He has notched two tackles in that core-four role since joining the practice squad in early September.
Entering the league as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Harris made prior stops with the Kansas City Chiefs, Las Vegas Raiders and Dallas Cowboys. He has seen action in 39 games, including six starts on defense, and earned three Super Bowl rings. The Middle Tennessee product’s run has spanned 61 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries.
The final injury report of the short week saw running back Rhamondre Stevenson, wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, tight end Austin Hooper and linebacker Christian Elliss ruled out for New England. Running back Terrell Jennings and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer carry questionable game statuses against New York.
Thursday’s AFC East kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. ET.
