Breaking News from Foxborough! The New England Patriots are shaking things up, making key adjustments to their practice squad. Let's dive into the details of these roster moves and what they could mean for the team.
First up, the Patriots have welcomed four new players to their practice squad: cornerback Miles Battle, running back D'Ernest Johnson, tackle Lorenz Metz, and wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. At the same time, defensive lineman Fabien Lovett and wide receiver Brandon Smith have been released from the practice squad.
Let's take a closer look at each player:
- Miles Battle: This 25-year-old cornerback has had a bit of a rollercoaster journey. Initially released from the Patriots' practice squad on January 8, 2026, he originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2024. After being released by Kansas City, he joined the Patriots' practice squad in October 2024. He even made it to the 53-man roster for a brief stint, playing in his first NFL game against Buffalo on January 5, 2025. He was then released, re-signed, and elevated to the active roster again, eventually playing in five games and accumulating 3 total tackles. He was released from the 53-man roster on December 29 and signed back to the practice squad on January 1.
- D'Ernest Johnson: The 29-year-old running back has seen action on the Patriots' active roster, being elevated for three straight games. He was signed to the 53-man roster on December 13, 2025, before being released on January 12. He played in seven regular season games for New England, with 14 rushing attempts for 25 yards and 5 kickoff returns for 128 yards. Johnson has experience with several teams, including the Cleveland Browns (2019-22), Jacksonville Jaguars (2023-24), Baltimore Ravens (2025), and Arizona Cardinals (2025).
- Lorenz Metz: This 26-year-old tackle has been part of the Tampa Bay practice squad for the 2024 and 2025 seasons through the International Player Pathway Program. Standing at 6'9" and weighing 330 pounds, Metz originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Chicago in 2023.
- Trent Sherfield Sr.: A seasoned veteran at 29 years old, Sherfield is in his eighth NFL season. He's played for Arizona (2018-20, 2025), San Francisco (2021), Miami (2022), Buffalo (2023), Minnesota (2024), and Denver (2025). He's played in 124 NFL games with 14 starts, accumulating 89 receptions for 1,034 yards and 6 touchdowns.
But here's where it gets controversial... The Patriots' practice squad is a dynamic entity, and these changes reflect the ongoing evaluation of talent and the constant search for players who can contribute to the team's success.
And this is the part most people miss... The impact of these moves extends beyond the practice field. Players on the practice squad can be elevated to the active roster, providing valuable depth and potentially stepping into key roles during the season.
What do you think? Do these moves signal a shift in the Patriots' strategy? Are there any players you're particularly excited to see develop? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
