As the New England Patriots prepare for their Week 4 matchup against the Carolina Panthers at Gillette Stadium, they’ve been dealt a surprising blow. On September 23, 2025, the New York Jets, an AFC East divisional rival, signed linebacker Mark Robinson off the Patriots’ practice squad to their active 53-man roster, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The 5’11”, 235-pound defender’s departure leaves a gap in New England’s depth as they navigate a demanding stretch of the 2025 NFL season with no bye until Week 14.
Mark Robinson, a seventh-round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Mississippi, spent his first three professional seasons with Pittsburgh. The 26-year-old linebacker appeared in 38 games, starting four, and recorded 34 total tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, and 11 special teams tackles during his tenure with the Steelers. After being waived by Pittsburgh ahead of the final roster cuts this year, Robinson joined the Patriots’ practice squad in late August 2025.
In New England, Robinson served as a standard elevation for the first three weeks of the season, playing 37 snaps on special teams and contributing three tackles. Under NFL rules, his next appearance would have required a promotion to the active roster, as practice squad players can only be elevated three times per season without a permanent move. Instead, the Jets capitalized on his status as a practice squad free agent, signing him to their active roster to bolster their linebacker corps, which includes Jamien Sherwood, Quincy Williams, Cam Jones, Francisco Mauigoa, and Marcelino McCrary-Ball.
While Robinson did not play defensive snaps for the Patriots, his athleticism and experience made him a valuable depth piece, particularly on special teams. His departure leaves New England’s off-ball linebacker room with Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Marte Mapu, and Jack Gibbens on the active roster, with Darius Harris remaining on the practice squad. The Patriots’ broader linebacker corps also includes Harold Landry III, K’Lavon Chaisson, Elijah Ponder, and Anfernee Jennings, but Robinson’s loss could strain the team’s special teams unit as they face a grueling schedule.
The timing of the move is particularly challenging. Coming off a 21-14 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, the Patriots fell to 1-2 after committing five turnovers, including four fumbles and one interception. Quarterback Drake Maye outplayed his counterpart, Aaron Rodgers, completing 28-of-37 passes for 268 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, compared to Rodgers’ 16-of-23 for 139 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. However, New England’s inability to protect the football and capitalize on key moments doomed their efforts, even while wearing their iconic red throwback jerseys.
As the Patriots gear up to face the Panthers, they must address their turnover issues and shore up their depth to remain competitive. The loss of Robinson to a divisional rival like the Jets stings, not only for the immediate impact on special teams but also for the message it sends in the tightly contested AFC East. With flexible NFL rules allowing practice squad elevations—rules that became more prominent post-COVID—New England will need to lean on their remaining depth to navigate the next 11 weeks without a bye.
The Jets, meanwhile, gain a versatile linebacker who brings experience and physicality to their roster. Under NFL rules, Robinson must remain on the Jets’ active roster for at least three weeks, ensuring he won’t face his former team immediately but could become a factor later in the season.
For the Patriots, the focus now shifts to Week 4 and beyond. Head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff will need to rally the team, protect the football, and minimize mistakes to keep their playoff hopes alive. As the 2025 season unfolds, New England’s resilience will be tested, starting with a critical home game against Carolina.