The Patriots activated cornerback Alex Austin from injured reserve to fill a vacant spot on their 53-man roster Saturday.
The team opened up the spot earlier in the week when they waived running back D’Ernest Johnson. Johnson cleared waivers, signed to the practice squad and was elevated to the active roster, along with defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III, on Saturday.
Austin was placed on injured reserve with a wrist injury in late November.
Johnson fills depth behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson at running back. Expect Taylor to be active behind Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga and Cory Durden against the Texans.
Running back Terrell Jennings (concussion protocol) remains on injured reserve. Wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) could be activated if the Patriots advance to the AFC Championship Game with a win over the Texans.
Austin could be active over rookie cornerback Kobee Minor to fill in depth behind Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III, Marcus Jones and Charles Woods on Sunday.
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