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Roster Move: After Parting Ways with Safety John Saunders, Patriots Add Young TE Previously Named to “Mackey Award Watch List” to Bolster Offense for Deep Playoff Push

Foxborough, Massachusetts. 18/11/2025

The Patriots have just made a significant roster adjustment by officially parting ways with safety John Saunders to make room for a talented young tight end. This move is seen as an effort to add depth to the offense and prepare for the decisive final stretch of the playoff race. Bringing in a TE who once appeared on the Mackey Award Watch List shows that the Patriots are prioritizing both tactical strength and the ability to diversify their attacking schemes.

This young star has long been highly rated by experts thanks to his frame, physicality, and all-around playing ability. He stands out in his role supporting blocking both inside and outside the line, while also possessing reliable hands for catches at intermediate range. That is why New England believes adding this type of TE will increase flexibility whenever they face physical and speedy defenses in the AFC.

Amid these changes, the name CJ Dippre has officially appeared on this week’s roster update. The undrafted rookie from Alabama has developed rapidly on the practice squad and is regarded as one of the highest-potential players among the young tight-end group. The coaching staff believes Dippre has the perfect foundation for the current offensive philosophy and will quickly contribute to special packages.
New England Patriots Sign Rookie TE to Active Roster

At the press conference, head coach Mike Vrabel could not hide his satisfaction when discussing the addition. He had plenty of praise for Dippre’s attitude and work ethic. “He’s a young warrior who is truly worthy of respect. His seriousness in training and his strong competitive qualities make us believe this is the right time to give him a chance. The players in the locker room are all very excited and have full confidence in him.”

Dippre’s arrival brings a fresh wave of energy to the Patriots at the most critical stage of the season. Even though he has yet to appear in an official game, he has already shown enough for the coaching staff to believe this is a perfectly timed addition. With a tough remaining schedule ahead, Dippre’s progress could become the key that helps the Patriots maintain their ambition of going deep into the playoffs.

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TIME CHANGE: 49ers vs. Seahawks Game Under Weather Monitoring – Updated Game Information
As the San Francisco 49ers prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks this Saturday night, attention has quietly shifted from the field to the skies. A developing weather system moving through Northern California is expected to impact the Santa Clara region during the final weekend of the regular season, placing this Week 18 NFC West showdown under close monitoring. According to regional forecasts and weather services tracking the system, conditions in and around Santa Clara could include periods of rain, gusty winds, and cooler evening temperatures. While no severe storm warnings are currently in place, forecasters caution that shifting conditions could still affect travel, stadium operations, and fan attendance at Levi’s Stadium. Meteorologists note that slick roadways, variable winds, and changing evening conditions could present logistical challenges for fans and staff surrounding the 49ers–Seahawks matchup. Fans planning to attend the game are encouraged to monitor local forecasts closely and allow extra time for travel as conditions evolve throughout the day. At this time, the NFL has not announced any official schedule changes. However, league officials are actively monitoring the situation, and a short kickoff adjustment remains possible should weather conditions deteriorate closer to game time. Any potential delay would be considered strictly as a safety precaution for players, stadium personnel, and fans. Game Information (Subject to Weather Monitoring) Week: Week 18 – 2025 NFL Season Matchup: Seattle Seahawks vs. San Francisco 49ers Date: Saturday, January 3, 2026 Kickoff Time: 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET (weather monitoring ongoing) Location: Levi’s Stadium – Santa Clara, California Broadcast (U.S.): ABC & ESPN (simulcast, Saturday Night Football) Streaming: NFL+, ESPN app/website, Fubo International Viewing: NFL Game Pass (International) Broadcast coverage will remain flexible if necessary. Fans are encouraged to follow official 49ers channels, NFL announcements, and local news outlets for real-time updates regarding any potential kickoff adjustments. Pregame programming may also be affected depending on how conditions develop throughout the day. Weather analysts continue to track the system closely, emphasizing preparedness for those attending the game in person. Officials from both the 49ers and Seahawks are coordinating with league and stadium personnel to ensure all contingencies are addressed should conditions change rapidly. For now, all Week 18 preparations remain in place. Despite the weather uncertainty, the game remains scheduled for its primetime Saturday night window — a matchup that will decide the NFC West title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC, carrying home-field advantage throughout the playoffs and a first-round bye. As of this update, kickoff remains set for 5:00 PM PT / 8:00 PM ET on ABC and ESPN, though the situation remains fluid as weather conditions continue to move through the region. Fans are advised to stay informed, plan accordingly, and prioritize safety as the regular season reaches its dramatic conclusion.