Mike Vrabel hints at potential future Patriots roster moves

FOXBORO — The Patriots are two days out from their divisional-round playoff matchup with the Texans, and they currently have an open spot on their 53-man roster.

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The spot opened up when the Patriots waived veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson on Monday. He cleared waivers Tuesday and re-signed to the practice squad.

The Patriots currently have two options to join the 53-man roster through activations from injured reserve in running back Terrell Jennings (concussion protocol) and cornerback Alex Austin (wrist).

“We’ll kind of see where they are tomorrow, see where we are on the roster,” head coach Mike Vrabel said Friday. “I think that that’s something that could happen. And again, when you’re at 52, you have some space, but if you get over 53, then somebody’s got to go. We’ll just see where we’re at tomorrow.”

Jennings is officially questionable to play on Sunday. The Patriots will need to add a running back to their gameday roster to serve as depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson by either activating Jennings or elevating Johnson from the practice squad.

The team will probably elevate defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. Newly-signed former Texans defensive end Darrell Taylor is another potential option if outside linebacker Harold Landry, who is questionable with a knee injury, can’t play.

The Patriots could elect to keep the 53rd spot on their roster open in case wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) or defensive tackle Joshua Farmer (hamstring) are able to be activated in the event that they advance to the AFC Championship Game next week.

Vrabel was non-committal last month when asked if Hollins’ injury was season-ending. Hollins was a starting wide receiver before his Week 16 injury.

“We won’t be able to see him for another three weeks. So, at that point in time, then we would make a decision, and I hope that’s one that we could make,” Vrabel said. “But right now, I don’t think I can predict anything.”

Austin began the season as a starter while Christian Gonzalez was out with a hamstring injury. He was passed on the depth chart by Charles Woods. The Patriots also signed rookie Kobee Minor from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. With Gonzalez good to go and out of concussion protocol, cornerback depth isn’t currently a major need.

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