Defensive end Rufus Johnson has been placed on the Non-Football Injury Reserve list due to the illness that has kept him sidelined for two weeks. Johnson was the sixth edge defender on the roster, behind Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard, Trey Flowers, and Geneo Grissom. Consider this a serious case of the Foxboro Flu as Johnson will compete for a key role next season.
The Patriots have also released practice squad cornerback Brandon Dixon, giving the Patriots two extra practice squad spots.
New England has filled Johnson's active roster spot by claiming safety Dewey McDonald off of waivers from the Colts.