D’Ernest Johnson didn’t have to wait long for his chance.
Just days after being signed to the Patriots’ practice squad, the veteran tailback was elevated to the active roster for Sunday’s 1 p.m. game against the Atlanta Falcons at Gillette Stadium. He’ll wear No. 34.
As expected, with Rhamondre Stevenson out, the Patriots elevated a running back to replace him. It was simply a question of which one. They added Ruwan Baker, Johnson and Jonathan Ward to the practice squad earlier this week.
Johnson will join TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings among active running backs.
Johnson has seven seasons of NFL experience, mostly with Cleveland. The veteran has 215 carries for 989 yards on his resume, along with experience returning kickoffs and punts.
He spent the last two years with Jacksonville and carried the ball 32 times for 143 in 2024. He spent time this year with Baltimore and was active for one game with Arizona earlier this month before being released.
The Patriots have struggled with running back depth this season. Antonio Gibson suffered a season-ending injury earlier this year and Stevenson, the team’s leading rusher has already been ruled out with a toe injury.
The Falcons elevated wide receiver Dylan Drummond from the practice squad. It’s his second elevation this season.
The former undrafted free agent, who has been on the Falcons’ practice squad for the past two seasons, has not recorded a catch in the NFL.
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