Seahawks elevate Akers, Jones for Super Bowl LX; Patriots add Taylor, Johnson

The Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots have made strategic roster adjustments ahead of Super Bowl LX, elevating key players from their practice squads to enhance their game-day depth.

Why it matters: The decisions to elevate Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr. for the Seahawks, alongside Leonard Taylor and D'Ernest Johnson for the Patriots, reflect both teams' efforts to bolster their lineups with impactful contributors during a pivotal moment in the season.

• Each player brings unique skills that could significantly influence the game’s outcome, especially considering the high stakes of the Super Bowl.

What’s new: Cam Akers and Velus Jones Jr. have been elevated from the Seahawks' practice squad, while the Patriots have added defensive end Leonard Taylor and running back D'Ernest Johnson to their active roster.

• Akers has experience as a second-round pick who previously won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams, while Jones has shown flashes of potential despite limited carries this season.

By the numbers: The elevation of these players highlights the urgency and importance of having versatile options available.

• Akers has participated in four games with Seattle, primarily on special teams; meanwhile, Jones has contributed 42 yards from 10 carries across his appearances.
• For the Patriots, Johnson's elevation marks his 11th appearance this season, indicating his reliability as a backup behind starters Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.

Yes, but: While these additions provide immediate depth, their effectiveness hinges on how well they adapt to the team's schemes and execute under pressure.

• Akers will be expected to complement Ken Walker III, the starting running back, while Jones may find himself competing for touches against established playmakers.

What to watch: As the game unfolds, keep an eye on how these newly elevated players are utilized within their respective offensive and defensive systems.

• The Seahawks will likely leverage Akers’ speed and agility in the run game, while the Patriots might use Taylor to disrupt Seattle's offensive rhythm with his pass-rushing capabilities.

The bottom line: With critical injuries impacting both rosters, these strategic elevations exemplify the fine line between victory and defeat in the NFL, particularly in high-stakes matchups like the Super Bowl.

• Both teams are banking on their depth and adaptability to secure a championship, highlighting the increasingly dynamic nature of modern football strategies.