Patriots Elevate TE, Place DT on IR Ahead of Bengals Game

The New England Patriots, riding an eight-game winning streak with a 9-2 record, announced several roster moves and provided positive injury updates on Monday as they prepare for a Week 12 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The team elevated rookie tight end C.J. Dippre from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, providing depth at the position while veteran Austin Hooper recovers from a concussion that sidelined him during Thursday's 27-14 victory over the New York Jets. Dippre, a 6-foot-5 undrafted free agent out of Alabama, joined the Patriots shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft and has yet to see game action this season. During his college career, he recorded 65 receptions for 782 yards and three touchdowns, earning praise for his blocking in Alabama's run-heavy offense.

In other transactions, the Patriots waived safety John Saunders Jr., who was active but did not play against the Jets, signed linebacker Otis Reese to the practice squad and placed linebacker Darius Harris on the practice squad injured reserve list. Reese, a 27-year-old with prior experience under head coach Mike Vrabel during his time with the Tennessee Titans, has appeared in 20 NFL games, tallying 26...