Patriots signing new RB to roster for Week 15 vs. Bills

Billy Heyen

Patriots signing new RB to roster for Week 15 vs. Bills image

The New England Patriots have a huge chance in front of them on Sunday.

A win at home against the Buffalo Bills in Week 15 would clinch the AFC East Division title for the Pats.

They're mostly healthy, too, which is great news for this time of year. 

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On Saturday, though, they did place a key depth piece on Injured Reserve. That's running back Terrell Jennings onto IR, meaning he'll have to miss at least four weeks (which will take New England to the end of the regular season without its No. 3 RB).

With that in mind, the Pats are planning to sign a new running back to the active roster.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that D'Ernest Johnson is expected to get the gameday contract.

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Johnson will be the RB3 on Sunday behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

The Pats shouldn't have to use Johnson much unless someone gets injured, but he's an experienced NFL running back and not a bad option to have in a pinch.

Johnson has played in three games for the Patriots so far this season, carrying four times for seven yards, while spending the rest of the campaign on the practice squad.

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