The New England Patriots have elevated two players from the practice squad ahead of tonight’s season-opening showdown with the Seattle Seahawks.
The New England Patriots’ first game day roster of the 2026 regular season has taken form.
Ahead of their season-opening Super Bowl LX rematch against the Seattle Seahawks, New England has made two elevations from the practice squad to add valuable contributions on offense and special teams. With added depth in the backfield to core special teams participation, these additions to the Patriots’ 53-man roster will likely have prevalent roles when the action gets underway at Lumen Field.
Here’s who is joining New England’s active roster on Wednesday night:
RB Lan Larison
Aug 22, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Lan Larison (34) runs after a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn ImagesAfter ruling second-year running back TreVeyon Henderson out with an ankle injury on Tuesday, the Patriots were set to enter the season-opener in Seattle with just two active running backs: Rhamondre Stevenson and Corey Kiner — who was acquired in a cutdown weekend trade with the Arizona Cardinals on August 29.
Already thin behind the starters, New England opted to call-up 2025 undrafted free agent Lan Larison to fill the void.
On the heels of two consecutive standout preseasons, Larison was reportedly set to make the final cut to 53 up until the Patriots traded for former Minnesota Vikings’ offensive tackle Walter Rouse in the waning moments before the cutdown day deadline. The “54th” player on the roster, Larison rejoins the team for their first game day of the regular season, and should make an impact on offense and special teams.
Larison gets the nod over veteran Hassan Haskins for Week 1. Both running backs traveled with the team for the game.
P Mitch Wishnowsky
Nov 20, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Buffalo Bills punter Mitch Wishnowsky (19) punts against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn ImagesThe Patriots did not have a punter on the 53-man roster after quickly placing Bryce Baringer on injured reserve at the onset of the regular season last weekend. Baringer hasn’t participated in team activities since exiting the second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles after punting twice.
In the preseason finale, it was free agent addition Matt Haack who took over the role, but he was released on cutdown day. Shortly thereafter, former Buffalo Bills’ and San Francisco 49ers’ punter Mitch Wishnowsky was signed to the practice squad, and has now been activated for game day. Wishnowsky has averaged 45.5 yards per punt in his career with a 40.9 net-yards average.
With Baringer out for at least the first four games of the regular season, New England will soon have another roster decision to make with Wishnowsky. He’s eligible to be called-up for two more games before needing to be signed to the 53-man roster in a more official capacity.
Injury Report
Jan 11, 2026; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Treveyon Henderson (32) looks on before the game against the Los Angeles Chargers in an AFC Wild Card Round game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn ImagesThe following players will not be suiting up for the Patriots in tonight’s rematch against Seattle due to injury:
- P Bryce Baringer (IR)
- OL Ben Brown (knee)
- OT Marcus Bryant (IR)
- RB TreVeyon Henderson (ankle)
- LB Khalil Jacobs (IR)
- ED Harold Landry III (PUP)
- ST Brenden Schooler (NFI)
Henderson and Brown were both ruled out earlier in the week, while the absences of the remaining players on the list will extend through at least Week 4 of the regular season due to their injury designations.
On the Seahawks' sideline, safety Ty Okada has been ruled out with a hamstring injury. Star second-year safety Nick Emmanwori (ankle) and wide receiver Tory Horton (hamstring) are both questionable.
Which of the Patriots’ practice squad call-ups will you be watching closely for tonight? Who do you think makes the greatest impact on the game’s outcome? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
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