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.

New England released Jeremiah Pharms Jr. and elevated Cory Durden from the practice squad, swapping one interior defender for another as Week 1 vs. Las Vegas approaches. They also bumped up Corey Ballentine and Mark Robinson, boosting depth at corner and linebacker. If Pharms clears waivers, he could land back on the practice squad, but Durden’s promotion signals the Patriots’ plan to rotate front-seven bodies and lean on versatile linemen early.

New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll confirmed that quarterback Drew Lock is expected to play against the Indianapolis Colts despite a challenging performance last week. Lock's recent game included two interceptions returned for touchdowns, but Daboll emphasizes the importance of continuity for the offense.

Injury concerns loom for the Giants, with linebacker Micah McFadden and several others not participating in practice due to various injuries. Defensive back Raheem Layne, recently signed, will miss the rest of the season due to a torn meniscus.

Joe Schoen and Brian Daboll's decision to pass on first-round quarterbacks in the draft is now under scrutiny as Michael Penix Jr. prepares for his first NFL start with the Atlanta Falcons against the struggling New York Giants. The Giants, sitting at 2-12, face the possibility of a 10th consecutive loss, further complicating Schoen and Daboll's future.

Despite their choice of wide receiver Malik Nabers at No. 6 overall, the Giants' offense has struggled, averaging just 14.9 points per game. Meanwhile, the Falcons, despite their own issues, have opened as favorites for the matchup.