FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots have made some moves by promoting linebacker Darius Harris and running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to the active roster. It’s Harris’s second consecutive week up, while Johnson is being elevated for the third week in a row.
Darius Harris, 29, joined the Patriots’ practice squad on September 3, 2025. He first saw action in a game against the Carolina Panthers on September 28 and has contributed on special teams since then. Standing 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing 245 pounds, Harris has experience with the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys. He began his NFL journey as an undrafted free agent out of Middle Tennessee State. In his career, he has played in 39 regular-season games, starting six of them, with a total of 55 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two fumble recoveries. Harris also has postseason experience, having participated in seven playoff games, where he recorded two tackles.
D’Ernest Johnson, also 29, is in his seventh NFL season. He has had stints with the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals. Johnson entered the league as a rookie free agent from South Florida in 2019. This season, he has played 98 games, with three starts, accumulating 216 rushing attempts for 990 yards and three touchdowns. He has also caught 53 passes for an additional 465 yards and returned 33 kicks for 772 yards. Johnson’s journey illustrates the challenges players face in the NFL, where consistent performance can lead to multiple opportunities, even after brief setbacks with teams.
Interestingly, the trend of elevating players from practice squads has increased in recent seasons. According to a 2022 report by the NFL, more teams are utilizing their practice squads to maximize roster flexibility and give deserving players a shot at game-day action. This strategy not only helps teams with injuries but also fosters a competitive environment among players.
User reactions on social media show a mix of support and skepticism regarding these moves. Many fans applaud the team’s efforts to capitalize on player potential, while some express concerns about the depth of the roster and game-day strategies. As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how these elevations impact performance on the field.
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