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Veteran Patriots RB Cut Just 12 Hours to Make Room for Alex Austin — Emotional Plea to Return to Practice Squad Brings Fans to Tears

Foxborough – Just 12 hours after a playoff victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, a cold decision was made in Foxborough. The New England Patriots were forced to part ways with veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson to clear a spot on the 53-man roster for cornerback Alex Austin, who was activated off Injured Reserve. It was a familiar strategic move in the NFL — but still one that was enough to quiet the locker room and leave Patriots fans with heavy hearts.

Johnson appeared in seven games this season, carrying the ball 13 times for 25 yards, with most of his contributions coming on special teams. Those numbers don’t make headlines or highlight reels, but for the Patriots, Johnson was the type of player the coaching staff trusted: on time, in his role, ready to do whatever the team needed. He never complained about limited opportunities or demanded a bigger role — he simply worked.
Patriots open up roster spot, release veteran running back - masslive.com

At an age past his prime years, D’Ernest Johnson understands his place in the NFL. He once broke out when given an opportunity, once carried the backfield through difficult stretches, and now accepts being a small part of a much larger machine. This season in New England, Johnson wasn’t an offensive focal point, but he was a steady piece, helping the Patriots rotate the roster and maintain tactical discipline.

Just hours after being cut, Johnson broke his silence with a message that deeply moved the Patriots community. “I never thought I would leave this way. I love this place, I love this locker room, and I still believe I’m not finished in New England,” he shared. “If there’s a chance to come back — even just on the practice squad — I’m ready. I just want to keep wearing a Patriots uniform and wait for my name to be called one more time.”

For the Patriots, cutting D’Ernest Johnson does not necessarily mean a permanent goodbye. The team hopes he will clear waivers so they can re-sign him to the practice squad — where Johnson could still be elevated for game day if needed. In a brutal playoff season, stories like this remind the NFL that behind the strategy, the roster moves, and the numbers, there are always players who fight not for the spotlight — but for belief and love for the uniform they wear.

Photo Controversy: The Pentagon’s Newest Ban Amidst the Iran War Crisis
  Washington D.C. – March 2026 In the midst of the ongoing conflict with Iran, one issue that stands out is the Pentagon’s latest decision to ban press photographers from the briefing room. The reasoning? A photograph featuring Secretary of Defense Pete Hegath that his staff deemed unflattering. The photo in question shows Hegath at a Pentagon briefing, furrowing his brow as he answers questions about the ongoing war in Iran. But, in what seems like an odd priority given the gravity of the war, the Secretary of Defense’s focus has shifted to whether his press coverage captures his "good side." This decision, as reported by The Washington Post, has sparked further controversy regarding Hegath's leadership and priorities at a time when the United States is facing one of the most severe crises in its history. The war, now in its third week, has caused a slew of issues, including civilian casualties, missile strikes on schools, and an ongoing investigation into the Pentagon's mismanagement. But despite these pressing concerns, the Secretary of Defense’s primary focus is reportedly the public image of the Pentagon, a concerning sign of self-involvement during such a critical time. As war continues, reports show that U.S. forces are responsible for a missile strike that hit an Iranian elementary school, killing at least 175 people, including children. This is among the worst civilian casualties the U.S. has been involved in for decades. Preliminary investigations confirm that outdated data from the Defense Intelligence Agency played a major role in the incident. This tragedy highlights the consequences of Hegath’s push for a more lethal military that operates with fewer checks and balances. Critics argue that his leadership, which includes dismantling civilian protection agencies and sidelining military lawyers, is directly linked to the deadly errors in this war. Furthermore, President Trump’s contradictory statements about the Iran war continue to muddy the waters, with him shifting blame and showing a lack of accountability for the attack on the school. His administration has been criticized for downplaying the risks of the conflict and failing to plan adequately for the aftermath. The oil market, for instance, has been hit hard by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, with prices spiking, affecting global economies and making the situation more complicated. Yet, Trump seems more focused on defending his handling of the situation than addressing the tangible consequences of his actions. As the investigation into the Iran war's disastrous consequences unfolds, it is becoming increasingly clear that the Trump administration's lack of preparation and disregard for civilian safety is contributing to a legacy of avoidable mistakes and growing distrust in its leadership. Meanwhile, as Americans struggle with rising gas prices and international instability, the President's focus remains on self-preservation rather than the wellbeing of his citizens and the nation’s reputation on the world stage. It remains to be seen how this will play out in the coming weeks, but with every new report, it becomes harder to ignore the growing chorus of voices calling for accountability at the highest levels of government.