As the New England Patriots finalize their roster ahead of the NFL season opener against the Seattle Seahawks on September 9, the team has made a strategic addition by signing safety Elliott Davison to their practice squad. This move, reported by ESPN's Mike Reiss, aims to bolster the depth of the safety position, especially in light of recent injuries.
Brenden Schooler, the team's special-teams captain, has been placed on the non-football injury list and will miss at least the first four games of the season. This development has left the Patriots' safety corps looking particularly thin, prompting the need for additional support. The Patriots' official announcement confirmed that Davison's signing coincided with the release of defensive tackle Jalen Hunt from the practice squad, who had only joined the team two days prior.
Elliott Davison, 24, entered the NFL as an undrafted rookie from the University of Texas at San Antonio, signing with the New Orleans Saints in April 2025. After spending the previous season on the Saints' practice squad, he was waived on August 30, 2026, following a training camp stint. Standing at 6 feet and weighing 200 pounds, Davison has yet to make an appearance in a regular-season NFL game, but he showcased his potential during the 2025 preseason, recording four tackles against the Los Angeles Chargers and additional tackles against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos.
Davison's college career began at the University of the Incarnate Word before he transferred to UTSA, where he started all 13 games in 2024 and accumulated 58 tackles. His journey reflects a determination to succeed, having earned a bachelor’s degree in management from UTSA in December 2024. His family has a football background, with his younger brother, Isaiah, playing at Hendrix College.
The Patriots' decision to sign Davison highlights their focus on enhancing their secondary and special-teams depth. With Schooler's absence, the safety position has been further stressed, as rookie Eric Butler was also waived from injured reserve earlier this week. The team’s current active roster features safeties Kevin Byard III, Craig Woodson, Jaylen Reed, and Dell Pettus, but the lack of depth necessitated this recent signing.
Davison's addition to the practice squad allows the Patriots to have a young player with special-teams potential. As practice squad players can be elevated to the active roster three times during the regular season, Davison could find himself in a position to contribute if injuries occur within the secondary. While veteran Mike Brown, who is already on the practice squad, may be the first choice for elevation, Davison's presence provides additional options for the coaching staff.
As the Patriots prepare for their matchup against the Seahawks, the signing of Elliott Davison reflects the team's proactive approach to managing their roster and ensuring they are equipped to handle the challenges of the upcoming season. With the NFL season just around the corner, every move counts as teams look to solidify their lineups and enhance their chances for success.
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