The New England Patriots are off to a 5-2 start under new head coach Mike Vrabel, thanks largely to the quick development of second-year quarterback Drake Maye. But as the offense finds its rhythm, one glaring problem remains — the running back room.
Coming into the season, the Patriots envisioned a well-rounded backfield featuring Rhamondre Stevenson as the power option, rookie TreVeyon Henderson as the speed threat, and veteran Antonio Gibson as the reliable third-down receiver. On paper, it was one of the more balanced groups in the AFC.
But football rarely follows the script. Gibson suffered a torn ACL in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills, abruptly thinning the team’s depth and forcing Vrabel’s staff to improvise.
In last week’s 31-13 win over the Tennessee Titans, practice squad running back Terrell Jennings made the most of his opportunity. The second-year back ran hard between the tackles, helped chew up the clock late, and showed the kind of physicality Vrabel preaches. After the game, ESPN's Mike Reiss caught Vrabel telling Jennings, “We found our five-minute back.”
That moment may have earned Jennings more than just praise — it could earn him a full-time roster spot.
Patriots Must Decide Whether to Sign Terrell Jennings to 53-Man Roster
As the calendar flips to November and the weather cools, every contender needs fresh legs in the backfield. Henderson, the second-round pick, has been unable to find a consistent role in the offense, which leaves Stevenson as the only proven option.
Jennings’ powerful running style could complement Stevenson nicely, but there is one major obstacle -- he only has one more practice-squad elevation left.
Complicating matters further, the Patriots just claimed former Chargers linebacker Caleb Murphy off waivers, filling their last open roster spot. If New England wants to keep Jennings active past Week 8, a corresponding move will have to be made, which could affect roster balance at another position.
The Patriots need another healthy running back on the roster, and while Jennings may have won over coach Vrabel during last week’s win against the Titans, his spot on the 53-man roster is uncertain.
With one elevation left and a full roster, Vrabel and the Patriots front office will have to make a tough decision before Week 8 — and Jennings’ emergence may force their hand.