FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — In a surprising roster move just hours before their Week 8 clash against the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots have bolstered their lineup by elevating running back Terrell Jennings and safety Richie Grant from their practice squad. This bold decision underscores the team’s urgent need for depth at both running back and safety positions, with Jennings emerging as an unexpected weapon for the Patriots’ run-heavy game plan.
Terrell Jennings: The Rising RB3 Ready to Shine
At 6’0” and 217 pounds, Terrell Jennings brings a powerful presence to the Patriots’ backfield. The 24-year-old running back, who signed with New England as a rookie free agent out of Florida A&M in May 2024, has quickly become a trusted option to fill the void left by Antonio Gibson. Jennings’ familiarity with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ system has made him the go-to choice for the RB3 role, and his elevation for the Browns game marks his third promotion to the active roster this season.
Jennings has already shown flashes of potential. In Week 6, during the Patriots’ 25-19 win over the New Orleans Saints, he contributed on special teams with seven snaps but did not see offensive action. The following week, he made strides, logging nine offensive snaps and rushing for 18 yards on five carries. His performance in the 2024 preseason further highlighted his capabilities, as he carried the ball six times for 19 yards and a touchdown. Last season, Jennings appeared in three games for the Patriots, totaling 13 carries for 33 yards after signing to the active roster in December.
With Gibson sidelined, Jennings’ experience and physical running style make him a natural fit for New England’s ground-and-pound approach. Beyond his contributions in the backfield, Jennings is expected to play a significant role on special teams, where he has already logged 15 snaps this season. His versatility and readiness have positioned him as a potential game-changer against the Browns, ready to seize this opportunity to prove his worth.
Richie Grant: A Veteran Safety Steps Up
In addition to Jennings, the Patriots have elevated safety Richie Grant, a move that signals concerns about the availability of starting safety Kyle Dugger, who is questionable for Week 8 with a knee injury. Dugger, a former team captain, missed the Patriots’ final practice of the week and is the only player listed on the team’s injury report. With Dugger’s status uncertain, Grant’s promotion could see him stepping into a critical defensive role.
Grant, a 6’0”, 200-pound defensive back, brings a wealth of experience to Foxborough. A second-round pick (No. 40 overall) by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2021 NFL Draft out of the University of Central Florida, Grant has played in 67 career games with 33 starts. His resume is impressive: 264 total tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, 17 passes defensed, and 11 special teams tackles over four NFL seasons. In 2022, Grant started all 17 games for the Falcons, finishing second on the team with 123 tackles, two interceptions, seven passes defensed, and a forced fumble. The following year, he started 15 games, recording 103 tackles, three sacks, six passes defensed, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
Despite losing his starting role to veteran Justin Simmons in Atlanta during the 2024 season, Grant’s signing by the Patriots on October 15 reflects their confidence in his ability to contribute. After a brief stint with the San Francisco 49ers in the offseason, Grant now has a chance to make an immediate impact in New England, particularly if Dugger is unable to play. His versatility across defensive and special teams roles makes him a valuable asset for a Patriots secondary looking to contain the Browns’ passing attack.
A Strategic Move for Week 8
The decision to elevate Jennings and Grant reflects the Patriots’ proactive approach to addressing their depth concerns ahead of a pivotal matchup. Jennings’ physicality and familiarity with the offensive scheme make him an intriguing weapon in a game where the Patriots aim to control the clock with their rushing attack. Meanwhile, Grant’s veteran savvy provides insurance for a potentially shorthanded secondary, ensuring the team remains competitive on defense.
As kickoff approaches, all eyes will be on these practice squad call-ups to see if they can deliver in their expanded roles. For Jennings, this game represents a chance to solidify his place in the Patriots’ backfield rotation. For Grant, it’s an opportunity to showcase his skills in a new system and potentially earn a more permanent role. In a season full of challenges, the Patriots’ unexpected roster moves could prove to be the spark they need to secure a crucial victory against the Cleveland Browns.