The New England Patriots have struggled to consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks throughout the first eight games of their 2016 season. Overall, the team has registered just 13.0 sacks this year. While some of this has to do with game plans, the gist remains: the Patriots need more success when it comes to rushing the passer.
One of the hopefuls to do that had been defensive tackle Anthony Johnson. The tense is important here because according to Rand Gatlin, Johnson will – at least for now – no longer be a potential option for the Patriots to boost their interior pass rush:
I'm told the #Jets have signed DL Anthony Johnson from the #Patriots practice squad.
After strong spring and summer practices, the 23-year old, who is in his third NFL season after going undrafted, was able to survive final roster cuts at a crowded position. However, he failed to make an impact during the early weeks of the regular season and was waived prior to the Patriots’ week 4 game against the Buffalo Bills.
New England was able to get the LSU product through waivers and onto the practice squad, off which he was promoted to the active roster just two weeks later. After being active for two games as a part-time defensive tackle, Johnson was waived and re-signed to the practice squad again.
Now, the three-year veteran has left the Patriots’ practice squad once again. However, he did not join New England’s active roster but rather the Jets’. Due to the move, the Patriots now have a) one open spot but b) no defensive linemen on their practice squad.