FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – The New England Patriots announced today that G Alijah Vera-Tucker has been placed on injured reserve. Additionally, the Patriots elevated OL Xavier Newman-Johnson and LB Benton Whitley to the active roster from the practice squad.
Newman Johnson27, was signed by New England to the practice squad on September 17, 2026. The 6-foot-2, 297-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Tennessee Titans on May 13, 2022 out of Baylor. He began his career with the Titans on the practice squad and 53-man roster. After being released by Tennessee on October 2, 2023, he was signed by the New York Jets to the practice squad. He spent time on the 53-man roster and practice squad in 2023 with the Jets and was on the Jets’ 53-man roster for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Newman-Johnson began the 2026 season on the Jets’ practice squad, but was released on September 15, 2026. He played in 25 games with four starts and saw action. at left guard, right guard and center.
Whitley27, was signed by New England to the practice squad on September 23, 2026. The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder, originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with the Holy Cross LA Rams in 2022. He spent time on the practice squad and 53-man rosters of the LA Rams (2022), Kansas City Chiefs (2022) and of the Minnesota Vikings. (2022-23), New York Giants (2023-24), Arizona Cardinals (2024) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2025). Whitley, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, went to training camp last summer with the Cleveland Browns, but was waived on August 26, 2026. In total, he played in six NFL games and recovered 1 fumble and 1 pass defended.
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