Patriots Make Roster Moves: C.J. Dippre Promoted, Otis Reese Signed to Practice Squad
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — As the New England Patriots turn their attention to their Week 12 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals, they have made a series of roster moves in hopes of improving the ball club for their stretch run toward the playoffs.
The Pats officially announced that they have signed rookie tight end C.J. Dippre to the 53-man roster from the practice squad. In order to accommodate Dippre’s arrival, they have released safety John Saunders Jr.
Dippre was originally signed by New England as a rookie free agent out of Alabama in May, shortly after the conclusion of the 2025 NFL Draft. The 6-foot-5, 256-pounder was released at the end of training camp and signed to the practice squad.
Dippre started his career at Maryland (2021-22) before transferring to Alabama (2023-24) for his final two seasons. He played in 52 career games with 37 starts and totaled 65 receptions for 782 yards and three touchdowns during his college career. The 23-year-old is expected to add depth at the tight end position behind team captain Hunter Henry, veteran Austin Hooper and hybrid fullback Jack Westover.
Saunders joined the Patriots in October, signing with the Pats’ 53-man roster from the Miami Dolphins practice squad. The 6-foot-2, 211-pounder originally signed with Miami as a rookie free agent out of Mississippi in May. The 24-year-old began the season on the practice squad.
Saunders began his college career at Miami (Ohio) before transferring to Mississippi following the 2022 season. New England heavily scouted Saunders during the 2025 draft cycle and hosted him for a pre-draft visit at Gillette Stadium, coveting his ability to play multiple roles. New England is expected to explore signing Saunders to the scout team, should he clear waivers.
In addition, the Patriots signed LB Otis Reese to the practice squad and placed LB Darius Harris on the practice squad injured reserve list.
Patriots Also Swap Practice Squad Linebackers
Reese spent the last two seasons with the Tennessee Titans and part of the 2025 season on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. The 6-foot-2, 230-pounder originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Tennessee out of Mississippi in 2023.
The 27-year-old was released by Tennessee at the end of training camp this past summer and was signed by Buffalo to the practice squad. Reese was released by Buffalo from the practice squad on Oct. 7, 2025. He has played in 20 NFL games during his two seasons with Tennessee and has 26 total tackles, one interception, one pass-defensed and 12 special teams tackles.
Lastly, Harris was signed by New England to the practice squad on Sept. 3 and was elevated for three games. The 6-foot-2, 245-pounder has spent time with the Kansas City Chiefs (2019-23) and Dallas Cowboys (2024) after originally entering the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Chiefs out of Middle Tennessee State in 2019.
Titans’ Head Coaching Vacancy Could Take Shocking Turn
The Titans’ coaching search revealed itself as a closely guarded state secret with intimate details rarely leaking out despite perceived heavy interest in the job. Tennessee’s front office saw fit to relieve former head coach Brian Callahan of his duties in the middle of October. The Athletic’s college football reporters spilled the tea on the latest ongoings in the coaching carousel of that part of the world. Their tea included a spicy morsel that a sitting head coach of a potential CFP program draws the Titans’ interest. Will the Titans shock the world with a surprise in their coaching search? Per The Athletic, here’s the section that has Titans’ fans agog with interest on both sides of the carousel.
“This situation seems to be trending in a positive direction for Rebels fans who would like to keep their coach, but one note of caution: One industry source said there was at least a modicum of interest in Kiffin among decision-makers with the Tennessee Titans.”
Tennessee Titans Head Coaching Vacancy Could Take Shock Turn
Lane Kiffin isn’t the first collegiate head coach connected to Tennessee’s open head coaching vacancy this cycle. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian drew that honor via a report from Diana Russini last month. Coach Kiffin becomes the spiciest name to be associated with the gig. There are remnants of the University of Tennessee’s fanbase who still hold Kiffin in the most contemptuous regard. The offensive savant who brought Nick Saban into the modern era of offensive football is the subject of intense pursuit by multiple SEC programs.
Who is Lane Kiffin?
Ironically, Kiffin and Sarkisian share multiple connective tissues throughout their mutual careers. Both men served on the same USC staff under Pete Carroll. The Ole Miss coach has an indirect link to the Titans as he also learned under the watchful eye of former Titans OC Norm Chow. After his service with the Trojans, he parlayed the job into the Raiders’ head coaching job in 2007. The Raiders were a disaster under his reign, which began at just 32 years of age. Owner Al Davis fired him in 2008 with the dramatic flair of ancient media technology and accusations of impropriety. The coach filed a lawsuit that was later dismissed.
Theatrical Drama
Kiffin’s tumultuous and often mercurial relationship with the state of Tennessee began in 2009 with his lone season in Knoxville. His tenure was brief but memorable for his quips and barbs in the media, often accusing other coaches of engaging in salacious recruiting practices. He then left for the USC job, where he lasted for over two seasons, trying to recover from the fallout of the Reggie Bush scandal.
The former USC coach delivered on his panache of dramatic exits when he was fired at LAX after a loss. Kiffin used his time wisely for three seasons as Alabama OC, piloting the Tide’s offense to greater heights under Saban. Delivering on a great flair for the dramatic, he was relieved of his duties before a national championship loss. The reason cited was that he needed time to focus on his next head coaching job at FAU. Interestingly, Sark replaced Kiffin at USC and at Alabama.
After three seasons at FAU, he was named the head coach of Ole Miss for the 2020 season. He’s led the Rebels to previously unheard-of success, garnering 10 more wins in four of five seasons.
What could it mean for the Tennessee Titans?
Kiffin has had success with a variety of quarterback styles, making him an ideal candidate for an NFL team looking to fuel its offense. However, his time in Oakland will bring some pause, but Kiffin is mature as a man in his 40s. Tennessee has a youthful offense that needs direction, and he would be a good fit in that regard, armed with an interesting rolodex of assistants to call upon. He’s an offensive genius who elevates that side of the ball wherever he goes. The Titans could go in this direction, but are more likely to interview him to gather ideas on how to improve Cam Ward. If there is a legitimate interest between the two, they must strike quickly, given the hot and heavy interest elsewhere.
What could it mean for Ole Miss?
The playoff-contending Rebels are in the midst of their best season, but have to deal with the whims of the coaching carousel. The 2025 coaching cycle is wild, with powerhouse programs like Penn State, Florida, and LSU vacant. Ole Miss will need to fend off interest from Florida and LSU in particular, given the resources of those programs. Kiffin is reportedly happy in Oxford, but history shows that he has a wandering eye. The social media savant clearly marches to his own beat, poking bears and coaching great offenses. Attempting to fend off P2 interest is one thing, but can the Rebels withstand an NFL team that offers money and a better quality of life? The Rebels will find out in the next couple of weeks and months ahead.
