FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — The New England Patriots are reeling from a significant blow to their running back depth, with veteran Antonio Gibson sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn ACL suffered during their 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. The injury occurred on a kickoff return in the second quarter, when Gibson was hit hard in the leg by Bills cornerback Cam Lewis, causing a fumble. Although the Patriots recovered the loose ball, they lost a key contributor, prompting immediate action to bolster their roster.
Gibson, who had 19 carries for 85 yards and one touchdown entering the Week 5 matchup, added six carries for 21 yards before exiting the game. His absence leaves a significant void in the Patriots’ backfield, which was already facing depth challenges. To address this, the team swiftly moved to sign running back Jashaun Corbin to their practice squad, while releasing offensive lineman Royce Newman to make room for the new addition.
Jashaun Corbin: A Dynamic Addition to the Practice Squad
Jashaun Corbin, a 5’11”, 215-pound running back, brings a versatile skill set to New England. The 25-year-old originally joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the New York Giants out of Florida State in May 2022. Since then, he has spent time on the practice squads of the Giants and Carolina Panthers, with a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons during the 2024 training camp. Corbin appeared in six games for the Giants in 2024, recording one rushing attempt for one yard and three receptions for 12 yards.
Earlier this year, Corbin showcased his potential in the United Football League (UFL) with the San Antonio Brahmas, leading the league with 514 rushing yards on 97 carries, scoring four touchdowns, and adding 18 receptions for 138 yards. His explosiveness extended to special teams, where he amassed 252 yards as a kick returner. Corbin’s physicality and multifaceted abilities make him a promising “tank” to help fill the gap left by Gibson’s injury. He now joins veteran Terrell Jennings on the Patriots’ practice squad, providing depth and flexibility as the team navigates the season.
Royce Newman’s Departure: A Strategic Sacrifice
To accommodate Corbin’s signing, the Patriots parted ways with offensive lineman Royce Newman, a four-year NFL veteran who had joined their practice squad on September 24, 2025. The 6’5”, 310-pound lineman was a fourth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in the 2021 NFL Draft out of Mississippi. Newman spent three seasons with the Packers (2021-23) and part of 2024 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before briefly signing with the Arizona Cardinals during the 2025 offseason. He was released by Arizona on August 26, 2025.
Newman’s NFL resume includes 52 regular-season games with 24 starts, primarily at guard, and three postseason appearances. However, in 2024 with Tampa Bay, he played in just one game, was inactive for nine, and dressed but did not play in seven others. His release from the Patriots’ practice squad reflects the team’s urgent need to prioritize running back depth over offensive line reserves at this juncture.
The Road Ahead: Searching for a Veteran Presence
While Corbin’s addition provides immediate relief, the Patriots are likely to continue their search for a veteran running back to complement their current roster. Gibson’s season-ending injury has exposed vulnerabilities in the team’s backfield, and head coach Jerod Mayo and the front office are expected to explore all options, including free agents and potential trade targets, to ensure they remain competitive. The team’s ability to adapt to this setback will be critical as they navigate a challenging season.
As New England moves forward, all eyes will be on how Corbin and the rest of the running back corps step up in Gibson’s absence. With a “tank” like Corbin now in the fold, the Patriots are banking on his UFL-proven explosiveness to help stabilize their offense and keep their playoff hopes alive.