Patriots elevate ex-Browns running back after Rhamondre Stevenson injury
The New England Patriots are on a roll after winning five consecutive games. Led by quarterback Drake Maye, the offense is averaging over 30 points per game and boasts a 6-2 record, good enough to lead the AFC East. While Maye looks to be trending upwards, the same cannot be said for New England’s rushing attack. Currently ranking 18th in yards per game, the Patriots have yet to find consistency from their ground game. It does not help that leading rusher Rhamondre Stevenson is battling a toe injury and will not play Sunday vs. the Atlanta Falcons. Although rookie TreVeyon Henderson is in line to start, the Patriots further insulated their backfield on Saturday.
The Patriots elevated running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Johnson has sketched out a lengthy career for himself, despite being an undrafted free agent signing in 2019. Initially signing with the Cleveland Browns out of the University of South Florida, Johnson played in 16 games as a rookie before becoming an integral piece of Cleveland’s running back rotation in 2021.
In his only season with 100 attempts, Johnson totaled 534 yards and three touchdowns. After 2022, Johnson signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars, playing 31 games in two seasons to minimal success. He then joined the Arizona Cardinals in September, playing just one game before being released. Shortly after, he signed with the Patriots’ practice squad.
Johnson is not expected to see many snaps, if any at all, this Sunday. He is currently positioned behind Henderson and the recently promoted Terrell Jennings on the depth chart. Depending on Stevenson’s injury, Johnson could be a valuable depth piece to the Patriots’ backfield or a brief placeholder.
Although he may not see many offensive snaps, Johnson does offer experience as a kick and punt returner. In 96 games, Johnson has 772 yards in 38 career attempts, providing another useful depth solution to New England.
Bills Legend Eric Moulds Sells Final Game-Worn Jersey to Support Teammate Battling Parkinson’s Disease
Buffalo, NY – November 1, 2025
In a gesture that’s brought a wave of emotion across
game-worn jersey from his final season to support a former teammate now facing the hardest battle of his life.
For fans who remember the late ’90s and early 2000s, Moulds was the lone constant in an era of instability. Known for his precision routes, contested catches, and quiet leadership, he became the franchise’s beacon of hope through years of quarterback turnover. From 1996 to 2005, he posted
675 receptions, 9,096 yards, and 48 touchdowns, including a historic 100-catch season in 2002, earning three Pro Bowl selections and a permanent place among the Bills’ all-time greats.
That former teammate is Takeo Spikes, the relentless linebacker who commanded Buffalo’s defense with passion and authority. During his time with the team (2003–2005), Spikes recorded over 200 tackles
, earned two Pro Bowls and an All-Pro selection in 2003, and became known as the emotional core of the defense — the “defensive quarterback” who brought fire to every down.
💬 “We carried this team through the storms — him on defense, me on offense,” Moulds said quietly. “Now that he’s fighting something far tougher than any Sunday battle, I want this jersey to fight for him — the same way he fought for Buffalo.”
Spikes, beloved for his intensity and leadership, has recently been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, a neurological disorder that has gradually affected his movement and coordination. Despite the diagnosis, those close to him say his trademark energy and optimism haven’t faded — he continues to train, mentor young athletes, and advocate for player health awareness.
Moulds’ decision to sell his final jersey isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about brotherhood. The proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Bills Alumni Health & Wellness Fund
, supporting Spikes’ treatment and ongoing medical research into Parkinson’s and other neurodegenerative conditions among retired NFL players.
💬 “This jersey carried our pride, our pain, and our fight,” Moulds reflected.
