Patriots Add Newman-johnson to Practice Squad, Release Rizy

WHO:

patriots.com - Xavier Newman-Johnson is 27 years old and is 6-foot-2, 297 pounds.

patriots.com - Jacob Rizy is 24 years old and is 6-foot-5, 306 pounds.

patriots.com - The New England Patriots signed OL Xavier Newman-Johnson to the practice squad and released OL Jacob Rizy from the practice squad.

Heavy NFL - Jacob Rizy was a rookie offensive lineman from Florida State.

WHAT:

patriots.com - Newman-Johnson has played in 25 games with four starts and has seen action at left guard, right guard, and center.

patriots.com - Rizy spent two seasons at Florida State (2024-25) after three seasons at Harvard (2021-23).

patriots.com - The Patriots signed Xavier Newman-Johnson to the practice squad and released Jacob Rizy.

Heavy NFL - The move to waive Rizy occurred one day after the Patriots hosted veteran interior lineman Xavier Newman-Johnson.

WHERE:

patriots.com - The transactions took place in Foxborough, Massachusetts.

WHEN:

patriots.com - Newman-Johnson was released by the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 2, 2023.

patriots.com - Newman-Johnson began the 2026 season on the Jets practice squad but was released on Sept. 15, 2026.

patriots.com - Xavier Newman-Johnson was signed to the practice squad after being released on Sept. 15, 2026.

patriots.com - Newman-Johnson originally entered the NFL on May 13, 2022.

patriots.com - Jacob Rizy was signed by New England as a rookie free agent on May 8, 2026.

WHY:

Heavy NFL - The timing of Rizy's release suggests the Patriots are making adjustments to their offensive line.

HOW:

patriots.com - Newman-Johnson began his career with the Tennessee Titans on the practice squad and 53-man roster before being released and signed by the New York Jets.

Xavier Newman-Johnson, a 27-year-old offensive lineman standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 297 pounds, has played in 25 games with four starts, showcasing his versatility at left guard, right guard, and center. Meanwhile, 24-year-old Jacob Rizy, who is 6-foot-5 and 306 pounds, spent two seasons at Florida State after three seasons at Harvard. Newman-Johnson was released by the Tennessee Titans on October 2, 2023, and began the 2026 season on the Jets practice squad before being released on September 15, 2026.