FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are reeling as they head into their Week 6 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, grappling with the loss of a key offensive and special teams contributor. The team has officially placed running back Antonio Gibson on injured reserve, ending his 2024 season due to a torn ACL sustained during a kickoff return in their 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5.
Devastating Injury Strikes in Week 5
The injury occurred in the second quarter following Buffalo’s game-tying field goal. Gibson, fielding the kickoff, was hit hard in the leg, causing him to fumble as he went down. While the Patriots recovered the loose ball, they lost their 6’0”, 228-pound star in the process. Gibson, who had 19 carries for 85 yards and one touchdown entering the game, managed six carries for 21 yards before exiting. Head coach Mike Vrabel noted that Gibson was not placed on injured reserve until October 10 for “procedural reasons,” confirming the season-ending nature of the injury earlier this week.
Gibson’s Impact on the Patriots
Gibson, a five-year NFL veteran, brought a versatile skill set to New England as both a running back and a special teams returner. His standout moment in a Patriots uniform came in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins, when he returned a fourth-quarter kickoff 90 yards for a touchdown—the 29th kickoff return score in franchise history. This play was pivotal in securing a 33-27 victory at Hard Rock Stadium.
Despite the Patriots’ offensive struggles in 2024, Gibson remained a bright spot. He recorded 538 yards on 120 carries with one touchdown and caught 23 passes for 206 yards this season. His career stats further highlight his value: during his four years with the Washington Commanders, Gibson amassed 2,643 yards on 642 carries with 22 touchdowns and caught 172 passes for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns. His ability to contribute as both a rusher and a receiver made him a unique asset in New England’s backfield, distinguishing him from teammates like Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
A Void in the Depth Chart
Gibson’s absence leaves a significant gap in the Patriots’ running back depth chart. Known for their run-heavy offensive scheme, the team now faces the challenge of replacing a player who brought physicality and versatility. While no official replacement has been named, practice squad running back Terrell Jennings is the leading candidate to step into Gibson’s role on the active roster.
Terrell Jennings: The Likely Replacement
Jennings, a 24-year-old rookie free agent from Florida A&M, signed with the Patriots’ active roster in December 2024 after spending time on the practice squad. The 6’0”, 217-pound back appeared in three games last season, logging 13 carries for 33 yards. During the 2024 preseason, he carried the ball six times for 19 yards and one touchdown while primarily working with the second-team offense during training camp. His familiarity with New England’s system and physical running style make him a natural fit to help fill the void left by Gibson.
As the Patriots prepare to face the Saints, the loss of Gibson casts a shadow over their offensive outlook. His dynamic playmaking ability, both as a runner and a returner, will be missed. However, with Jennings poised to step up and the team’s commitment to a ground-and-pound approach under Vrabel, New England aims to adapt and overcome this “devastating injury.” Fans will be watching closely to see how the Patriots adjust their game plan in Week 6 and beyond.