FOXBOROUGH — Patriots running backs coach Tony Dews welcomed a trio of new players into his positional room this week.

With Terrell Jennings earning a spot on the 53-man roster and practice squad member Jashaun Corbin placed on injured reserve, New England brought in some more pieces at running back. The Patriots signed D’Ernest Johnson, Jonathan Ward and Rushawn Baker to their practice squad.

“It’s exciting. It’s almost like Christmas Day,” Dews said. “You wake up you’ve got all these shiny new toys."

Of the new practice squad additions, the 29-year-old Johnson is the most accomplished at this point. The veteran back is in his seventh NFL season with 215 carries for 989 yards on his resume, along with experience returning kickoffs and punts.

Ward is in his fifth season and overlappe

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