The final standard elevation is in the rearview for D’Ernest Johnson. Ahead is a spot on the 53-man roster.

Amid a series of moves, the New England Patriots promoted the running back leading up to Sunday’s game against the Buffalo Bills.

Johnson, 29, had signed to the practice squad at the end of October. From there, he reached the NFL limit in call-ups and reversions in three consecutive weeks. Those November appearances brought a combined 23 snaps between offense and special teams for the 5-foot-11, 205-pound back.

Undrafted in 2018, Johnson stands 99 games into his career. Following a tour with the Alliance of American Football’s Orlando Apollos, the South Florida product landed with the Cleveland Browns in 2019 and went on to earn FedEx Ground Player of the Week during his stay. He

See Full Page