Get ready for a thrilling divisional round showdown between the Patriots and the Texans, but here's the twist: the Patriots just shook up their roster in a big way, and it could be a game-changer. As the clock ticks down to Sunday’s 3 p.m. ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium, New England has strategically activated cornerback Alex Austin from injured reserve and elevated running back D'Ernest Johnson and defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad. But why does this matter? Let’s break it down.
Alex Austin’s return is more than just a roster move—it’s a special teams boost. After a wrist injury sidelined him since Week 12’s victory over the Bengals, Austin is back, though his role has been primarily on special teams. While he’s the fifth cornerback on the depth chart, his 39.1% snap rate on special teams this season, spanning four different units, makes him a valuable asset. And don’t worry about Pro Bowl cornerback Christian Gonzalez—he’s cleared concussion protocol and is ready to go, so Austin’s activation is purely about adding depth, not replacing a starter.
But here’s where it gets controversial: The Patriots’ defensive line adjustments hint at a strategic battle against the Texans’ surging run game. Leonard Taylor III, elevated for the fifth time this postseason, has been a reliable rotational piece, logging 22 snaps and a crucial run stuff in the Wild Card win. With Houston’s rookie RB Woody Marks rushing for 112 yards against the Steelers, the Patriots are stacking their defensive line to counter the Texans’ downhill running style, which relies heavily on duo and inside zone plays. Is this enough to stop Houston’s momentum? Or will the Texans’ ground game prove unstoppable?
On the offensive side, D'Ernest Johnson’s elevation is a familiar move. Released from the 53-man roster earlier this week, he’s back on the practice squad and likely active on Sunday, primarily as a kickoff returner alongside WR Efton Chism III. Meanwhile, RB Terrell Jennings remains on injured reserve despite practicing, leaving Johnson as the go-to option. But why not activate Jennings if he’s healthy? Is this a sign of deeper concerns?
And this is the part most people miss: The Patriots didn’t elevate any edge rushers, even with captain Harold Landry III listed as questionable. With five edge rushers already on the active roster, including Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder, New England seems confident in their depth. Rookie LB Bradyn Swinson could also step in if needed. Does this mean Landry is a lock to play, or are the Patriots taking a risky gamble?
With 55 players available, the Patriots must declare seven inactive to meet the 48-player game day limit. The return of NT Khyiris Tonga from a foot injury adds another layer of intrigue—will he be ready to bolster the defensive line? As the Patriots prepare to host the Texans, these roster moves raise as many questions as they answer. What do you think? Are the Patriots setting themselves up for success, or are they overlooking a critical weakness? Let us know in the comments!
