Patriots elevate two players from practice squad, activate OT from IR
By Alex Barth, 985TheSportsHub.com
In what has become a new tradition for the 2020 NFL season, the Patriots have made their Saturday roster additions ahead of their Week 12 game against the Cardinals.
According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots have elevated two players from their practice squad for Sunday’s game. Wide receiver Donte Moncrief and defensive tackle Akeem Spence have both been added to the roster.
This is the second straight week Moncrief has been elevated. He played four offensive snaps and was targeted twice against Houston, recording one catch for 15 yards. Moncrief filled a special teams role as well, playing 12 snaps with that unit. The 27-year-old was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad back in early November.
Spence will be in line to make his Patriots debut after being signed to the practice squad last week. With Carl Davis going on IR and Byron Cowart not practicing on Friday, the team can use the extra depth in the middle of the defensive line.
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In addition, the Patriots activated offensive tackle Justin Herron from IR, according to Jeff Howe of the Athletic. A sixth-round pick this past spring, he has started two games for New England this year. He was placed on IR in late October with an ankle injury. It’s likely he’ll end up back in the starting lineup this week, with Isaiah Wynn being placed on IR earlier on Saturday.
Howe also reported that rookie tight end Devin Asiasi, who returned to practice this week, will not be removed from IR for Sunday’s game despite being eligible. Howe says Asiasi’s return is “on hold for at least another week.”
The Patriots also placed tight end Jake Burt on the practice squad injured reserve, per Reiss. A Boston College product, Burt was just removed from practice squad IR last week, but didn’t practice this week.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at Alexander.Barth@bbgi.com.
