The Patriots were left with two open roster spots this week when running back Stevan Ridley and linebacker Jerod Mayo were lost for the season because of knee injuries, but they have reportedly filled them ahead of Thursday night’s game with the Jets.
Per multiple reports, the team has promoted running back Jonas Gray and offensive lineman Chris Barker from the practice squad to bring the roster back to 53 players before kickoff.
Gray’s arrival has been expected since Ridley went down against the Bills last week. The former Notre Dame back ran 37 times for 142 yards in the preseason, but wound up on the practice squad after being squeezed off the depth chart by Ridley, Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden and James White. How the Pats will split up the carries moving forward remains to be seen and history says you can’t rule out any of the backs getting hot and running with the job as the season unfolds.
Barker gives the Pats more depth on a line that has guard Dan Connolly and center Bryan Stork recovering from concussions. Both players are questionable for Thursday night.
