FOXBORO, MA – In a surprising move just days after a commanding 48-18 preseason victory over the Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots have shaken up their running back room. The team placed rookie Lan Larison on the injured reserve (IR) list and signed free-agent running back Deneric Prince, a third-year player and Super Bowl LVIII champion, ahead of Sunday morning’s practice, according to reports from Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports and Doug Kyed of Boston Herald.
A Costly Loss: Lan Larison’s Promising Start Cut Short
Undrafted rookie Lan Larison, a standout from UC-Davis, made an immediate impact in the Patriots’ preseason opener. His versatility shone through with contributions in both the run and pass game, culminating in a fourth-quarter jet sweep touchdown. However, Larison’s season has been abruptly halted. Spotted in the locker room post-game wearing a boot, the rookie’s lower-body injury has landed him on IR, ending his debut campaign before it could fully take flight.
Larison’s absence leaves a void in a backfield that showcased its depth against the Commanders. TreVeyon Henderson electrified Gillette Stadium with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown on his first NFL touch, while Terrell Jennings and Larison added late-game scores to seal the blowout win. With Larison sidelined, the Patriots turned to an unexpected name to bolster their roster: Deneric Prince.
Enter Deneric Prince: A Super Bowl Champion with Untapped Potential
At 25 years old, Deneric Prince brings a wealth of experience and a championship pedigree to New England. A five-year college player at Texas A&M and Tulsa, Prince amassed 1,744 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on 316 carries across 27 games. Despite earning an NFL Scouting Combine invite, he went undrafted in 2023. Prince’s journey took him to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he earned a Super Bowl ring as part of their 2023 championship roster. He later joined the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad in August 2024.
Most recently, Prince turned heads with the Memphis Showboats in the UFL. Ranking seventh in the league with 337 rushing yards, he added 110 receiving yards and two touchdowns while contributing on special teams. A free agent since the UFL season concluded, Prince now joins a crowded Patriots backfield that includes Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Terrell Jennings, and JaMycal Hasty.
A Backfield in Flux: Patriots’ Aggressive Roster Moves
The signing of Prince is the latest in a series of moves to reshape New England’s running back corps this summer. The team recently re-signed JaMycal Hasty, adding depth to an already dynamic group. Additionally, the Patriots dipped into the UFL talent pool earlier, signing offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom from the Memphis Showboats on July 30. Lindstrom now resides on the practice squad.
With Prince’s addition, the Patriots’ roster stands at 91 players, including defensive lineman David Olajiga, who qualifies for an exemption under the NFL’s International Pathway Program. The team’s aggressive approach signals their intent to build a versatile and resilient backfield as they prepare for the regular season.
High Stakes for Prince: A Fragile Opportunity
Prince’s signing comes with immense opportunity—and pressure. The Patriots’ running game showed flashes of brilliance against Washington, but with Larison out, Prince must prove he can step up alongside established names like Stevenson and emerging talents like Henderson. His 1,744 college yards and Super Bowl experience suggest he has the tools, but his undrafted status and journeyman path highlight the fragility of his NFL foothold.
As the Patriots head to Minnesota for joint practices with the Vikings and a Saturday afternoon preseason matchup, all eyes will be on Prince. Can the former Showboat rise to the challenge and carve out a meaningful role in New England’s backfield? The weight of expectation now rests on his shoulders.