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Patriots elevate defensive tackle for first game since Milton Williams injury

The New England Patriots are adding defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms to their roster for their matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.

Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Nov 17, 2024; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98) lines up against the Los Angeles Rams during the second half at Gillette Stadium.

Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals is the first for the New England Patriots since defensive tackle Milton Williams suffered an ankle injury, landing him on IR. Without Williams the Patriots are adding some depth to their defensive tackle group, announcing on Saturday they're elevating Jeremiah Pharms Jr. from the practice squad for this one.

Pharms, 29, will be making his season debut. He initially made the Patriots' 53-man roster, but was cut leading up to the first game and later re-signed to the practice squad. This is his first of three allowed practice squad elevations.

Over the prior two seasons Pharms has appeared in 28 games for the Patriots, with five starts. An athletic pass-rushing defensive tackle he's recorded 42 tackles with four for a loss and two sacks.

On the active roster, Pharms adds depth to a defensive tackle group that includes Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Eric Gregory, and rookie Joshua Farmer. Gregory did not practice on Friday due to a personal matter, but was not given a game status on the final injury report.

The Bengals are making two elevations for the game - running back Gary Brightwell and cornerback Jalen Davis. Earlier in the day, the Bengals announced that quarterback Joe Burrow won't play in this game after being a full participant in practice at times this week.

Alex Barth is a digital content producer and on-air host for 98.5 The Sports Hub. Barth grew up in the Boston area and began covering the New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Boston Red Sox in 2017 before joining the Hub in 2020. He now covers all things Boston Sports for 985TheSportsHub.com as well as appearing on air. Alex writes about all New England sports, as well as college football. You can follow him across all social media platforms at @RealAlexBarth.