The New England Patriots signed linebacker Elias Neal to their practice squad on Monday, filling a spot that opened after veteran linebacker K.J. Britt left for the Detroit Lions.
Neal, a 25-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, measures 6 feet and 221 pounds. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Los Angeles Rams in 2024 after playing at Marshall University.
Over parts of three seasons with the Rams, Neal appeared in 10 games, mostly contributing on special teams. He started the 2026 campaign on the Rams practice squad, was elevated for two contests and was released on Oct. 27.
At Marshall, Neal compiled 375 tackles, 32.5 tackles for loss, 12 sacks, five interceptions and five fumble recoveries across his college career. He earned third-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2023 after leading the team with 93 tackles.
The addition comes one day after the Lions claimed Britt off New England’s practice squad. Britt, a 27-year-old sixth-year pro from Auburn, had been the only linebacker on the Patriots’ developmental roster.
Britt signed with New England as a free agent in March after spending 2025 with the Miami Dolphins. He was released at final cutdowns, returned to the practice squad and was elevated once this season, recording one tackle on special teams.
Career totals for Britt stand at 77 games played, 16 starts and 162 tackles. The Lions needed depth after injuries to Jack Campbell and Jimmy Rolder in their win over Minnesota.
On the same day they signed Neal, the Patriots also hosted free-agent linebacker Reid Williford for a workout. Williford, 22, played at UNC-Charlotte and briefly joined the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted rookie in 2026 before being released with an injury settlement in late August.
In his final college season, Williford led Charlotte with 74 tackles and four sacks. He had worked out for the Green Bay Packers the day before visiting Foxborough.
The Neal signing was part of a broader set of roster moves announced Monday. The Patriots activated offensive tackle Marcus Bryant from injured reserve, released cornerback Kindle Vildor from the 53-man roster and dropped wide receiver Cameron Dorner and offensive lineman Jake Kubas from the practice squad.
Bryant had been on injured reserve since Aug. 30 after a preseason injury. Vildor, a six-year veteran, becomes a free agent as a vested player.
New England entered the week at 5-3, second in the AFC East after a 24-19 road win over the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. The team ranks near the middle of the league in both scoring offense and defense through eight games.
The Patriots host the Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. A matchup with the Lions follows the next week in Detroit.
Practice-squad additions like Neal give the club flexibility for elevations or call-ups if injuries hit the active linebacker group, which currently features players such as Christian Elliss and Robert Spillane.
Neal’s college production and special-teams experience with the Rams position him as a depth option who can compete for a longer stay if he performs well in practice.
The moves reflect ongoing roster management as the Patriots try to maintain depth heading into the second half of the season.
