Patriots Promote Rookie Tight End to Active Roster
The New England Patriots announced several roster adjustments ahead of their Week 12 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, aiming to bolster their depth as they push toward a playoff spot.
The team elevated rookie tight end C.J. Dippre from the practice squad to the 53-man roster. To make room for him, the Patriots released safety John Saunders Jr.
Dippre, who signed with New England as an undrafted free agent out of Alabama in May following the 2025 NFL Draft, was waived after training camp and later added to the practice squad. The 6-foot-5, 256-pound tight end previously played at Maryland before transferring to Alabama, appearing in 52 games with 37 starts and recording 65 catches for 782 yards and three touchdowns. He will provide depth behind Hunter Henry, Austin Hooper, and hybrid fullback/tight end Jack Westover.
Saunders joined New England in October after being signed off the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad. The former Mississippi defensive back began his college career at Miami (Ohio) and drew strong interest from the Patriots during the 2025 draft process. If he clears waivers, New England is expected to consider bringing him back on the practice squad.
The Patriots also made moves at linebacker, signing Otis Reese to the practice squad and placing Darius Harris on the practice squad injured reserve.
Reese, previously with the Titans and briefly with the Bills’ practice squad this season, entered the league in 2023 as an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss. He has appeared in 20 NFL games, totaling 26 tackles, an interception, a pass breakup, and 12 special teams tackles.
Harris, who signed to the Patriots’ practice squad in early September and was elevated for three games, has past experience with the Chiefs and Cowboys after entering the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent from Middle Tennessee State.
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