Patriots’ Inexperienced Running Backs Highlight Game Day Roster
The New England Patriots are preparing for their Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons with a significantly inexperienced running back group. The team has faced challenges with injuries, leading to a roster mainly comprised of rookie and newly promoted players.
Inexperienced Running Backs for Game Day
Heading into the game, the Patriots will feature three running backs on their roster. With Rhamondre Stevenson sidelined due to a toe injury and Antonio Gibson on injured reserve with a knee issue, second-round rookie TreVeyon Henderson will lead the group. Henderson has yet to showcase extensive experience, as he is still in the early stages of his NFL career.
Assisting Henderson will be Terrell Jennings, who was recently promoted from the practice squad, and D’Ernest Johnson, who joined the active roster after spending only three practices with the team. While Johnson has played 98 games since entering the league in 2019, his familiarity with the Patriots’ scheme is limited. Collectively, Henderson and Jennings have participated in just 14 career games.
Full Game Day Roster for the Patriots
The complete lineup for the Patriots’ game against the Falcons is as follows:
- Quarterbacks (2): Drake Maye (10), Joshua Dobbs (11)
- Running Backs (4): TreVeyon Henderson (32), Terrell Jennings (26), D’Ernest Johnson (34), Jack Westover (37 | FB/TE)
- Wide Receivers (6): Kayshon Boutte (9), Stefon Diggs (8), Mack Hollins (13), DeMario Douglas (3), Kyle Williams (18), Efton Chism III (86 | KR)
- Tight Ends (2): Hunter Henry (85), Austin Hooper (81)
- Offensive Tackles (4): Will Campbell (66 | LT), Morgan Moses (76 | RT), Vederian Lowe (59), Marcus Bryant (52)
- Interior Offensive Line (4): Jared Wilson (58 | LG), Garrett Bradbury (65 | C), Mike Onwenu (71 | RG), Ben Brown (77)
- Interior Defensive Line (5): Christian Barmore (90), Milton Williams (97), Khyiris Tonga (95), Joshua Farmer (92), Cory Durden (94)
- Defensive Edge (4): Harold Landry III (2), K’Lavon Chaisson (44), Anfernee Jennings (33), Elijah Ponder (91)
- Linebackers (5): Robert Spillane (14), Christian Elliss (53), Jahlani Tavai (48), Jack Gibbens (51), Marte Mapu (15)
- Cornerbacks (5): Christian Gonzalez (0), Carlton Davis III (7), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Charles Woods (22), Alex Austin (28)
- Safeties (4): Jaylinn Hawkins (21), Craig Woodson (31), Dell Pettus (24), Brenden Schooler (41)
- Specialists (3): Andy Borregales (36 | K), Bryce Baringer (17 | P/H), Julian Ashby (47 | LS)
Injuries and Adjustments
The Patriots face additional challenges with Kyle Dugger traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. His replacement is inactive, leaving the team thin at the safety position. Jaylinn Hawkins and Craig Woodson will carry the primary responsibilities, with Dell Pettus expected to step up as the third option.
Despite the setbacks, Efton Chism III returns to the lineup as expected. He will serve as the primary kickoff returner and as the sixth wide receiver. The crucial game against the Atlanta Falcons will begin at 1 p.m. ET at Gillette Stadium.
Conclusion
Inexperience defines the Patriots’ running back situation as they aim for success in Week 9. With a rookie leading the pack and limited preparation time for newcomers, how they perform will be closely watched.