The New England Patriots have dropped a major roster bombshell just hours before Super Bowl LX, activating two key veterans to bolster their lineup for tomorrow’s championship clash against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium.

In a last-minute move announced on Saturday, February 7, 2026, the Patriots elevated running back D’Ernest Johnson and defensive end/defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad to the active roster. These elevations come as familiar postseason reinforcements, with both players having been called up repeatedly throughout the playoffs — and now cleared to suit up for the biggest game of the year on February 8.

Head coach Mike Vrabel and the front office made the strategic decision to add depth and experience where it’s needed most, especially with the Patriots facing a Seahawks team loaded with explosive playmakers and a stout run defense. The activations provide immediate boosts on special teams, the backfield, and the defensive front — critical areas that could swing momentum in a high-stakes Super Bowl environment.

Who Are These Veterans and Why Do They Matter?

D’Ernest Johnson, the 29-year-old running back, brings veteran savvy and reliability to a backfield that’s battled injuries all season. Johnson originally joined the Patriots midseason after stints with the Baltimore Ravens and Arizona Cardinals. He carved out a niche as a special teams ace, particularly as the team’s primary kickoff returner in the late regular season and playoffs. His speed and decision-making in the return game have given New England valuable field position flips.

On offense, Johnson serves as a dependable third-string option behind starters Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. With the running back room thinned by previous ailments — including the season-ending issues for Terrell Jennings, whose IR activation window closed without a return — Johnson’s presence ensures the Patriots have fresh legs and a proven blocker/pass protector if the game script demands it. He’s appeared in limited offensive snaps but delivered in clutch moments, including special teams contributions that helped secure playoff wins.

This marks Johnson’s fourth straight postseason elevation, a testament to Vrabel’s trust in his preparation and versatility. At 5’10” and 208 pounds, Johnson isn’t a volume runner, but his burst and football IQ make him a perfect complement in short-yardage packages or as an emergency change-of-pace back.

Leonard Taylor III, the 23-year-old defensive lineman, adds rotational firepower to the interior and edge. Signed to the practice squad midseason after being released by the New York Jets, Taylor has become a postseason staple. His athleticism, quick first step, and ability to disrupt both the run and pass make him a valuable chess piece along the defensive line.

Taylor has been elevated for every playoff game this year, including the wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers, divisional round against the Houston Texans, and AFC Championship versus the Denver Broncos. His role has grown as the Patriots leaned on depth pieces to counter diverse offenses. In the Super Bowl, expect Taylor to see snaps in sub-packages, providing interior pressure on Drake Maye-led drives or helping contain Seattle’s run game featuring a dynamic backfield.

At 6’4″ and around 300 pounds, Taylor brings size and explosiveness that can spell starters like Christian Barmore or others on the front seven. His unlimited postseason elevations (per NFL rules) have allowed consistent contributions without burning a roster spot long-term.

The Bigger Picture: Why This Move Is a Bombshell

These activations aren’t just procedural — they’re a calculated gamble to maximize every advantage in a winner-take-all scenario. The Patriots opted not to activate rookie defensive tackle Joshua Farmer off injured reserve (IR), ruling him out after a hamstring issue sidelined him since Week 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. Farmer showed promise as a rotational piece, but the team prioritized veterans with proven playoff reps over the young defender.

Linebackers Robert Spillane (ankle) and Harold Landry III (knee) remain questionable after limited practice participation, adding urgency to bolstering the front. With the Seahawks boasting a balanced attack — strong passing from their QB and a physical run scheme — extra bodies like Johnson on returns and Taylor on the line could prove decisive.

This roster tweak underscores Vrabel’s philosophy: build depth, reward reliability, and stay flexible. The Patriots enter as underdogs in some circles, but activations like these signal confidence in their preparation. Fans on social media erupted with excitement, praising the moves as “classic Patriots chess” and “depth wins championships.”

Impact on Super Bowl LX

For the Patriots, these veterans provide insurance against fatigue in a grueling game. Johnson could see action on special teams and limited offensive snaps if Stevenson or Henderson need breathers. Taylor bolsters the rotation, helping maintain pressure without overexerting starters.

The Seahawks, meanwhile, elevated their own depth pieces (running backs Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr.), setting up a battle of well-prepared benches.

As kickoff approaches at 6:30 p.m. ET, the focus shifts to execution. Drake Maye, the young QB leading New England’s resurgence, now has added support behind him. Whether these activations translate to big plays — a key return, a sack, or a timely stop — remains to be seen.

One thing is clear: the Patriots aren’t leaving anything to chance. This bombshell roster move injects veteran grit into a championship-caliber squad, heightening the drama for what promises to be an epic Super Bowl showdown.

Patriots Nation, are these elevations the edge New England needs to hoist the Lombardi? Seahawks fans, how do you counter? The answers come tomorrow on the biggest stage in sports.