Report: German Rusher Johnson Joins The Patriots, Sets Global Milestone

The New England Patriots have a new player. German running back Jakob Johnson was added to the Patriots roster on Saturday. He is the first player to enter the NFL through the International Pathway Program. The 24-year-old rusher from Stuttgart was on the Patriots’ practice squad, and he will play as a replacement for injured James Develin in the game against the New York Jets. Develin will be out for the game due to a neck injury.

“Nigerian defensive end Efe Obada played for Carolina last year after taking part in the program, but he had signed with Dallas as a free agent in 2015 and spent time with Atlanta and Kansas City in 2016 before the advent of the pathway program, which he joined to bolster his developmental time with Carolina.

“The program allows clubs to carry an international player as an extra 11th practice squad player to develop and work with the team, but not eligible to promote to the main squad.”

New England used Johnson in their regular 10 practice squad players, providing them with the option to promote him.

“Johnson moved to Florida as a high school senior and played as a linebacker and tight end for the University of Tennessee before returning to his hometown last year, playing for an American football squad there, the Stuttgart Scorpions.

“He was assigned to the Patriots in April as part of the pathway program and was among the final cuts to the main roster three weeks ago.

“Johnson made 43 catches for 474 yards and four touchdowns as a tight end for the Scorpions last year.”

The Patriots have made a several changes to their roster. They cut Antonio Brown Friday, and the team will have to rely on the remaining receivers. Things are getting really interesting for the team. They went through a lot, and hopefully will win their third game this season.

Tom Brady promised to play his best football this season, and hopefully he will stay around for a while. The Patriots nation needs him a lot, and we do believe that he will stay active for a few more years.