Image Source: Oliver Thomas
Key Takeaways
- The New England Patriots have made changes to their practice squad ahead of the divisional round against the Houston Texans
- The team signed running back D’Ernest Johnson, wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr., offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, and cornerback Miles Battle to the 17-man group
- Johnson, Sherfield, Metz, and Battle bring a wealth of experience to the practice squad, with a combined 355 games of NFL experience
- The Patriots released wide receiver Brandon Smith and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett to make room for the new signings
- The team is preparing for Sunday’s divisional round matchup against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium
Introduction to the Practice Squad Changes
The New England Patriots have made some significant changes to their practice squad ahead of the divisional round against the Houston Texans. As reported by the team, the Patriots signed running back D’Ernest Johnson, wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr., offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, and cornerback Miles Battle to the 17-man group on Tuesday. These signings bring a wealth of experience to the practice squad, with the four players combining for 355 games of NFL experience. As the Patriots prepare to take on the Texans on Sunday, these additions could potentially make a significant impact on the team’s performance.
D’Ernest Johnson’s Journey to the Patriots
D’Ernest Johnson, 29, is a veteran running back who has played for several teams in the NFL, including the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals. As the Patriots’ website notes, "Johnson, 29, cleared waivers after being let go from the 53-man roster. The 5-foot-11, 205-pound back is now a candidate to serve as a standard elevation for the fourth time since heading to Foxborough in October." Johnson has appeared in eight games for the Patriots, including the wild card game, and has totaled 25 rushing yards and 128 kickoff return yards. With his experience and versatility, Johnson could be a valuable asset to the Patriots’ offense.
Trent Sherfield Sr. Joins the Patriots’ Wideout Room
Trent Sherfield Sr., 29, is a veteran wide receiver who has played for several teams in the NFL, including the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos. As the Patriots’ website reports, "Sherfield, 29, joins the Patriots’ wideout room as a veteran of 124 games in the regular season. A 14-game starter, he has caught 89 passes for 1,034 yards and six touchdowns since going undrafted in 2018." Sherfield’s experience and production make him a strong addition to the Patriots’ wide receiver corps, and he could potentially see playing time on Sunday against the Texans.
Lorenz Metz and Miles Battle Join the Practice Squad
Lorenz Metz, 26, is an offensive tackle who was born in Bavaria, Germany, and played collegiately at Cincinnati. As the Patriots’ website notes, "Metz, 26, checks in with an exemption through the NFL’s International Player Pathway, making him the 17th man on the scout team." Metz has played for several teams in the NFL, including the Chicago Bears and New York Giants, and spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad. Miles Battle, 25, is a cornerback who was released from the Patriots’ practice squad earlier this month but has now been re-signed. As the Patriots’ website reports, "Battle, 25, had been released from New England’s practice squad entering the playoffs. The 6-foot-3, 197-pound cornerback now circles back a week later." Battle has appeared in five games for the Patriots and has three tackles to his name.
Corresponding Moves
To make room for the new signings, the Patriots released wide receiver Brandon Smith and defensive tackle Fabien Lovett from the practice squad. Smith, 27, joined the Patriots’ practice squad on Christmas Eve and has played for several teams in the NFL, including the Dallas Cowboys and New York Jets. Lovett, 25, joined the Patriots’ practice squad in November and has played for the Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. As the Patriots’ website notes, "Smith, 27, joined the Patriots’ practice squad on Christmas Eve. The 6-foot-1, 218-pound wideout entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa in 2021." Lovett, on the other hand, "headed to New England entering Labor Day weekend and re-signed with the practice squad in November."
Preparing for the Divisional Round
The Patriots are preparing to take on the Houston Texans in the divisional round on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. With the new additions to the practice squad, the team is looking to make a deep run in the playoffs. As the Patriots’ website notes, "Sunday’s kickoff at Gillette Stadium is set for 3 p.m. ET." The Patriots will be looking to utilize their new signings to gain an edge over the Texans and advance to the next round of the playoffs. With the experience and talent of Johnson, Sherfield, Metz, and Battle, the Patriots are well-equipped to make a strong push for the championship.
https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-news/119128/patriots-sign-dernest-johnson-miles-battle-trent-sherfield-lorenz-metz-practice-squad