Patriots Shake Up Practice Squad with New Signings and Releases

The New England Patriots make key adjustments to their practice squad, adding four new players and parting ways with two others.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 6:00pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented football practice or game, with sharp, overlapping planes in navy blue, red, and white, conceptually representing the dynamic nature of the Patriots' practice squad changes.The Patriots' practice squad shakeup reflects the team's ongoing search for talent and their willingness to make adjustments to strengthen their depth.Kansas City Today

The New England Patriots have shaken up their practice squad, signing four new players - cornerback Miles Battle, running back D'Ernest Johnson, tackle Lorenz Metz, and wide receiver Trent Sherfield Sr. - while releasing defensive lineman Fabien Lovett and wide receiver Brandon Smith. These roster moves reflect the team's ongoing evaluation of talent and search for players who can contribute to their success.

Why it matters

Changes to the practice squad can have a significant impact, as players can be elevated to the active roster and step into key roles during the season. These moves signal the Patriots' strategy and their efforts to strengthen their depth and find the right mix of players to support the team's success.

The details

The four new additions to the Patriots' practice squad all have unique backgrounds and experiences. Miles Battle, a 25-year-old cornerback, has had a rollercoaster journey, being released and re-signed multiple times by the Patriots. D'Ernest Johnson, a 29-year-old running back, has seen action on the Patriots' active roster and has experience with several other NFL teams. Lorenz Metz, a 26-year-old tackle, has been part of the Tampa Bay practice squad through the International Player Pathway Program. Trent Sherfield Sr., a 29-year-old wide receiver, is a seasoned veteran with 124 NFL games under his belt.

  • Miles Battle was initially released from the Patriots' practice squad on January 8, 2026.
  • D'Ernest Johnson was signed to the Patriots' 53-man roster on December 13, 2025, before being released on January 12.
  • Lorenz Metz has been part of the Tampa Bay practice squad for the 2024 and 2025 seasons through the International Player Pathway Program.

The players

Miles Battle

A 25-year-old cornerback who has had a rollercoaster journey, being released and re-signed multiple times by the Patriots. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in May 2024.

D'Ernest Johnson

A 29-year-old running back who has seen action on the Patriots' active roster, being elevated for three straight games. He has experience with several teams, including the Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals.

Lorenz Metz

A 26-year-old tackle who has been part of the Tampa Bay practice squad for the 2024 and 2025 seasons through the International Player Pathway Program. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Chicago in 2023.

Trent Sherfield Sr.

A seasoned veteran at 29 years old, Sherfield is in his eighth NFL season. He's played for Arizona, San Francisco, Miami, Buffalo, Minnesota, and Denver, accumulating 89 receptions for 1,034 yards and 6 touchdowns in 124 NFL games with 14 starts.

Fabien Lovett

A defensive lineman who has been released from the Patriots' practice squad.

Brandon Smith

A wide receiver who has been released from the Patriots' practice squad.

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What’s next

The impact of these practice squad changes extends beyond the practice field, as players can be elevated to the active roster and potentially step into key roles during the season. It remains to be seen how these new additions will develop and contribute to the Patriots' success.

The takeaway

The Patriots' practice squad shakeup highlights the team's constant search for talent and their willingness to make adjustments to strengthen their depth and find the right mix of players to support their success. These roster moves could have a significant impact on the team's performance throughout the season.