The New England Patriots have elevated two players to their active roster on Saturday, a day before Super Bowl LX against the Seattle Seahawks.
The Patriots added running back D’Ernest Johnson and defensive end Leonard Taylor II, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who will round out the team’s depth.
Johnson was on the Patriots’ roster for some time, while also playing on the practice squad during the regular season.
He only got 13 rush attempts during his seven games of action, but he has also returned five kicks, highlighting his value as a special teams player.
The 29-year-old has bounced around the league quite a bit, though now he gets the chance to appear in his first Super Bowl.
Taylor, on the other hand, was on the roster for three playoff games and three regular-season games, finishing with eight tackles and blocking a field goal attempt in the AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos.
How does Mike Vabrel feel about the Patriots before Super Bowl LX?
Vabrel, speaking over the last few days before the Super Bowl, has expressed confidence in his team and detailed what the players are going through to ensure they are prepared for the biggest stage in football.
“We try to make it as normal as we can, knowing that it’s not gonna be,” Vrabel said. “We try to stay on the same routine, try to keep the meeting times the same, the treatment times.
“The guys were able to work on Monday. Had yesterday off, there was a lot of activity in the hotel, the meeting rooms, guys getting together and watching tape. That’s what everyone has to do to get ready.
“The next 48 hours will be critical for us as we try to get into our normal routines for a Wednesday and a Thursday and then families get here and things ramp up.”
The Patriots and Seahawks kick off on Sunday, Feb. 8, at 3:30 p.m. PST. The Seahawks are the strong favorite, but Vabrel will relish taking on Seattle as the underdog, which should help motivate the entire team.
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