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Roster Move: Just hours before the Wild Card playoff against the Chargers, the Patriots make a surprise addition with a lethal duo — two names the organization believes could force the Chargers to rewrite their entire game plan

Foxborough, Massachusetts — January 11, 2026

Just hours before the Wild Card playoff matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers, the New England Patriots made a surprising roster move that immediately caught the attention of league observers. The team elevated defensive tackle Leonard Taylor III and rookie wide receiver Jeremiah Webb from the practice squad to the active roster, forming a “lethal duo” that the organization believes could make an immediate impact in a game where every small detail may determine the outcome.

Leonard Taylor III, 23, is not an unfamiliar name within the Patriots organization. He was called up three times during the regular season to reinforce the defensive front as the team dealt with injuries. With his size and youth, Taylor brings rotational strength on the interior defensive line and the ability to generate pressure up the middle — a critical factor against the Chargers’ offense. “We believe he can bring immediate energy,” a Patriots internal source said.

Leonard Taylor III - New England Patriots Defensive Tackle - ESPN

Meanwhile, Jeremiah Webb represents the biggest element of surprise. The 24-year-old rookie has yet to play an NFL snap, joining the Patriots as an undrafted free agent, but he impressed throughout practices. Webb’s promotion just before the playoffs signals strong confidence from the coaching staff. “He’s the type of player opponents don’t have enough tape on,” an offensive assistant shared. “That’s a real advantage in the postseason.”

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Webb’s addition becomes even more significant with Kayshon Boutte limited by a hamstring injury and uncertain to play. While the Patriots boast a veteran wide receiver group that includes Stefon Diggs and DeMario Douglas, playoff games are often decided by unexpected contributors. One timely catch could be enough to force the Chargers to adjust their entire defensive scheme.

Overall, the decision to elevate Taylor and Webb is not merely a short-term fix, but a reflection of the Patriots’ long-standing philosophy of roster flexibility. New England has built its reputation on deploying strategic moves at precisely the right moments. And if this “lethal duo” makes an impact, the Wild Card matchup against the Chargers could become the stage for a truly unexpected playoff storyline.

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Packers President Ed Policy Files Official Complaint With NFL Over Brutal Hit on QB Jordan Love
Green Bay, January 11, 2026 – Following a dangerous, MMA-style hit on Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love during their recent Wild Card matchup against the Chicago Bears, Packers President Ed Policy has formally filed a complaint with the NFL, demanding a full investigation into the incident. The contested play involved what many observers called a clear roughing-the-passer and helmet-to-helmet contact, which went uncalled by the officials. Love, recently recovering from a concussion sustained in Week 16, was targeted in a way that put his health at serious risk. According to Policy, this penalty not only endangered Love but may have directly contributed to Green Bay’s loss. AWFUL MISSED CALL…The refs just missed a clear roughing the passer and helmet-to-helmet hit by the #Bears on #Packers quarterback Jordan Love.😳😳😳Love is coming off a concussion. This is an unacceptable penalty to miss. pic.twitter.com/frbUaSYP5W — MLFootball (@MLFootball) January 11, 2026 “This is the second instance in two games where it’s evident certain players deliberately attempted to injure or at least limit Jordan’s effectiveness,” Policy said. “Despite existing penalties from Week 16, these actions appear intentional. Whether we win or lose, this strategy undermines our team’s performance and compromises the integrity of the game.” Policy emphasized that this is not just a concern for a single player but a broader issue of collective sportsmanship. “The NFL needs to thoroughly investigate this,” he continued. “This was not a typical in-game collision — it was an orchestrated, unsportsmanlike action targeting a player’s safety. It reflects poorly on the league and sets a dangerous precedent for player conduct.” The Packers are urging the NFL to consider enhanced penalties for similar hits and to ensure that referees are empowered to prevent future occurrences. Team medical staff have confirmed that Love will be monitored closely following the incident, and the organization is prioritizing his health above all else. The filing signals a firm stance from Green Bay that deliberate attempts to harm players will not be tolerated and that the league must hold accountable both individuals and the collective culture that permits such actions. Policy concluded, “Football is a tough sport, but targeting a player’s health intentionally is unacceptable. This investigation isn’t just about one quarterback — it’s about preserving the fairness, safety, and integrity of the NFL.”