The Patriots are heading to Seattle with two practice squad elevations locked in. Running back Lan Larison and punter Mitch Wishnowsky got the call ahead of Wednesday's Week 1 matchup at Lumen Field, and while these kinds of moves often feel like roster housekeeping, there's actually some substance here worth examining.
Let's start with Larison. The Patriots have no shortage of running back depth—TreVeyon Henderson, Hassan Haskins, Rhamondre Stevenson, and a half-dozen others are already on the active roster. Elevating Larison suggests Mike Vrabel and his staff are thinking about contingency planning or maybe they've got something specific dialed up for Seattle. Whether it's a gap-scheme concept that suits his skill set or just insurance against injury on a cross-country trip, the message is clear: the team trusts him enough to activate him for a live game.
The Wishnowsky elevation is more straightforward but equally telling. Bryce Baringer is the listed punter, but having Wishnowsky available gives the staff flexibility—whether that's a specialized role, weather considerations at Lumen Field, or simply confidence in having a proven backup. In playoff-caliber organizations, special teams depth matters more than casual fans realize.
What this really signals is how the 2025 AFC champions are approaching their title defense. These aren't panic moves. They're the methodical housekeeping of a team that won it all and knows its system inside and out. Vrabel's Patriots playbook is still taking shape, but early decisions like this—calculated roster management paired with specific roster construction—suggest continuity of the championship formula.
The Seahawks won't be a cakewalk, but the Patriots aren't walking into Lumen Field unprepared. They're bringing the right depth pieces and they're thinking several moves ahead. That's how you defend a crown.
Based on reporting from Pats Pulpit.