Jeremiah Pharms, Jr. Added to 53-Man Roster

After placing offensive lineman Calvin Anderson on injured reserve with an undisclosed illness, the New England Patriots have filled the open roster spot. Defensive lineman Jeremiah Pharms, Jr., who had been with the Patriots practice squad, has been signed to the 53-man roster.

Pharms went undrafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. His journey to the NFL was not a direct one. Pharms college career took him to Sacramento City College, San Joaquin Delta College, and Friends University. He is the first Friends Falcons player to play in the NFL.

After not being drafted by an NFL team, Jeremiah Pharms, Jr. spent time playing in other football leagues. He first joined the Wichita Force of the Champions Indoor Football League for in 2021. The Pittsburgh Maulers of the USFL drafted Pharms in 2022, where he caught the eye of the New England Patriots. He was a member of the Patriots practice squad in 2022.

In 2023, Pharms was once again a member of the Patriots practice squad. He did see his first NFL game action, as he appeared in three games for New England. Pharms recorded one tackle while playing 23 defensive snaps.

Christian Barmore (knee) and Davon Godchaux (illness) are both listed as questionable for the game against the Commanders, so New England can certainly use some additional depth and size on the defensive front. The 6-foot-3, 300-pound Pharms helps in both areas.

Adding Jeremiah Pharms, Jr. to the 53-man roster wasn’t the New England Patriots only move. The team also elevated offensive tackle Conor McDermott from the practice squad for the game against Washington. It is the second week in a row that McDermott has been elevated.