Patriots Promote Mack Hollins, Announce Key Roster Changes
The New England Patriots have made significant roster changes as they prepare for the postseason. The team announced that wide receiver Mack Hollins has been activated from injured reserve and added to the 53-man roster. He had been sidelined since December 27 after participating in the first 15 games of the season.
Roster Updates: Hollins Activated and Key Players Elevated
In addition to Hollins’ activation, the Patriots have placed defensive tackle Eric Gregory on injured reserve. The team also elevated running back D’Ernest Johnson and defensive end Leonard Taylor III from the practice squad for the second consecutive week. Furthermore, wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. was released from the practice squad.
D’Ernest Johnson: Career Overview
- Age: 29
- Experience: 7 NFL seasons
- Teams Played For: Cleveland Browns (2019-2022), Jacksonville Jaguars (2023), Baltimore Ravens (2025), Arizona Cardinals (2025)
- Regular Season Stats: 7 games, 13 rushing attempts, 25 rushing yards, 5 kickoff returns, 128 return yards
- Wild Card Game: Active against L.A. Chargers on January 11
Johnson originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Browns. He had brief stints on various rosters, most notably spending time with both the Ravens and Cardinals practice squads earlier this season.
Leonard Taylor III: Performance Highlights
- Age: 23
- Height: 6-foot-3
- Weight: 305 pounds
- Regular Season Stats: 19 games, 9 tackles, 1.5 sacks
- Postseason Participation: Played in two postseason games, did not record any tackles
Taylor was signed to New England’s practice squad on October 16, 2025. He began his NFL journey as a rookie free agent with the New York Jets out of Miami (Fla.) in 2024.
Trent Sherfield: Brief Background
- Age: 29
- Experience: 8 NFL seasons
- Teams Played For: Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos
- Career Stats: 124 games, 14 starts, 89 receptions, 1,034 yards, 6 touchdowns
Sherfield originally entered the NFL in 2018 as an undrafted free agent. His recent stint with the Broncos included 10 games and 3 starts, where he made 3 receptions for 21 yards. He was active in two games after being elevated to the Cardinals’ roster and was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad on January 13.
The Patriots are positioning themselves strategically as they head into critical playoff matchups. These roster changes reflect their commitment to maximizing their chances for postseason success.
