The New England Patriots, already dealing with the loss of one running back to a season-ending injury earlier this campaign, have been hit with more disappointing news regarding an offensive contributor.
As the 11-2 Patriots prepare to face the 9-4 Buffalo Bills on Sunday, an injury update on one of their running backs has been revealed. New England is currently riding an impressive 10-game winning streak under head coach Mike Vrabel, marking a major turnaround from last season’s dismal 4-13 record.
However, the team has received a brutal blow: they are set to place halfback Terrell Jennings on injured reserve, according to NFL Network. In response, the Pats have elevated D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad and will sign him to the active roster to fill the void left by Jennings.
Jennings entered the NFL’s concussion protocol following New England’s Week 13 victory over the New York Giants. Despite the team’s Week 14 bye, Jennings was not cleared to participate in practice this past week and was ultimately ruled out for Sunday’s crucial divisional matchup.
With this placement on injured reserve, Jennings will miss the Patriots’ final four games of the regular season. He won’t be eligible to return until the playoffs, assuming New England qualifies.
This season, Jennings has contributed with 23 rush attempts for 73 yards and one reception for nine yards. He notched his first career touchdown in Week 9 against the Atlanta Falcons, showcasing his potential as a key depth player in the backfield.
The Patriots have primarily relied on Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson in the running back room this year. Jennings now joins Antonio Gibson—who suffered a season-ending torn ACL injury after the first matchup with the Bills—on injured reserve, further depleting the team’s options at the position.
This injury comes at a critical juncture for the Patriots, who are vying for the top seed in the AFC with just four weeks remaining in the regular season. The loss of Jennings, a versatile and emerging talent, could force adjustments to their ground game strategy as they push toward the postseason.
Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how New England adapts, with Johnson stepping in to provide immediate support. The team’s depth and resilience will be tested in the coming weeks, but their winning streak suggests they have the momentum to overcome this setback.
Stay tuned for updates as the Patriots gear up for their showdown with the Bills, where they’ll aim to extend their streak and solidify their playoff positioning.