The New England Patriots have made a surprising roster move ahead of their divisional round playoff matchup against the Houston Texans, releasing veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson shortly after securing their first playoff victory of the Drake Maye era. The Patriots defeated the Los Angeles Chargers 16-3 in a hard-fought contest, showcasing their ability to compete with top teams in the league.
As the team transitions into preparation for the Texans, who are known for their strong performance this season, the decision to release Johnson comes at a critical time. The Patriots, who entered the 2025 campaign with a robust three-headed running back system featuring Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, and Johnson, had to navigate injuries throughout the season. Following a torn ACL suffered by Antonio Gibson in Week 5, the team struggled to find a suitable replacement, ultimately leading to Johnson’s earlier call-up from the practice squad.
Initially, Terrell Jennings was slotted to take on the backup role, but a concussion sidelined him late in the regular season, which opened the door for Johnson’s involvement. However, with both Stevenson and Henderson performing well, Johnson’s opportunities for playing time diminished. As Jennings nears a return from injured reserve, the Patriots faced a decision regarding Johnson’s status on the roster.
Following the playoff win against the Chargers, the Patriots announced Johnson’s release, allowing Jennings to return as they prepare to face the Texans. The team’s official statement confirmed the move, noting that they also released T Sebastian Gutierrez from the practice squad. Johnson’s departure raised eyebrows, but he did not remain a free agent for long, quickly re-signing with New England’s practice squad just days later.
As the Patriots look to advance to the AFC Championship Game, they will rely heavily on their key offensive players, especially against a Texans defense that has proven to be one of the most formidable in the league this season. The upcoming game will test the Patriots’ ability to perform under pressure, particularly with Maye leading the offense as they aim for a deep playoff run.
The clash between the Patriots and Texans is set for Sunday at 3:30 p.m. ET, and the outcome could significantly impact the narrative of both franchises moving forward. With the stakes higher than ever, New England’s offensive strategies will be under scrutiny as they look to capitalize on their strengths and mitigate any weaknesses exposed in the earlier rounds of the playoffs.
