Patriots Make Four Practice Squad Moves Ahead Of Steelers Game

The New England Patriots reshuffled their practice squad Monday as they began preparations for their Week 2 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers .

New England signed wide receiver Chandler Brayboy and linebacker Xavier Holmes to the practice squad. The Patriots created the two openings by releasing safety Elliott Davison and running back Hassan Haskins . The team announced all four moves through its official website .

Haskins is the most experienced player involved in the transaction. The 26-year-old appeared in 44 regular-season games over four NFL seasons, including the last two with the Los Angeles Chargers .

Patriots Move On From Veteran Running Back

New England signed Haskins on Aug. 12 and retained him on the practice squad after training camp. The former Michigan running back entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection by the Tennessee Titans in the 2022 NFL Draft. Haskins has recorded 76 carries for 229 yards and two touchdowns during his career. He also has 18 receptions for 199 yards and one score.

Haskins contributed on special teams, too, returning 28 kickoffs for 646 yards. The decision to release him removes an experienced insurance option from New England's backfield. The Patriots still could bring Haskins back later in the season if another practice-squad opening emerges, assuming he remains available.

Davison's stay in New England was much shorter. The Patriots signed the 24-year-old safety to their practice squad on Sept. 3 before releasing him less than two weeks later. Davison originally joined the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent out of UTSA in 2025. He spent his rookie season on New Orleans' practice squad and remained with the Saints through their 2026 training camp.

Familiar Defender Returns To New England

Holmes already has experience in Mike Vrabel's program. The Patriots originally signed the 6-foot-2, 252-pound linebacker as an undrafted free agent out of James Madison on May 11. He participated in the offseason program and training camp before New England released him Aug. 30.

Bringing Holmes back gives the coaching staff another developmental linebacker who already knows portions of the defensive system. That familiarity could make it easier for him to contribute in practice immediately. Brayboy provides additional depth at wide receiver. The 25-year-old entered the league with the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent out of Elon in April 2025.

The 6-foot-1, 199-pound receiver spent the entire 2025 season on Jacksonville's practice squad. He returned to the Jaguars for training camp this summer but was released Aug. 30. Neither Brayboy nor Holmes immediately joins New England's 53-man roster. Both can practice with the team and potentially be elevated for a game if the Patriots need additional depth.

New England will host Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 20, as it attempts to rebound from its 13-10 season-opening loss to the Seattle Seahawks .