Patriots add Cory Durden to the 53-man roster and promote Corey Ballentine and Mark Robinson, while Jeremiah Pharms Jr. is released. Durden has appeared in eight NFL games for 13 tackles; Ballentine owns 69 games with 67 tackles, one INT and two forced fumbles; Robinson has 34 tackles in 38 games with a sack; Pharms Jr. logged 28 games with 42 tackles and two sacks.

The club opens at Gillette against the Raiders, testing new interior and secondary depth. Durden could spell run-stuffing duties, Ballentine provides veteran CB depth and special-teams value, and Robinson adds linebacker versatility. Pharms Jr.’s departure tightens a crowded roster; early fantasy takeaways point to increased Patriots defensive depth and rotational roles rather than immediate starter production.