Patriots Daily: Two Running Backs Return to Action

The New England Patriots provided a concerning health update on Sunday with the news of Christian Barmore experiencing blood clots. While the positive news did not outweigh that unfortunate update, there was some good health news coming out of Foxboro over the weekend. The team saw two running backs rejoin the team, appearing to be full participants in Sunday’s practice.

New England announced that Antonio Gibson and Terrell Jennings were both activated. Gibson had been on the non-football injury (NFI) list, while Jennings was on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Their return will lessen the workload of fellow backs Rhamondre Stevenson, Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty, and Deshaun Fenwick.

Antonio Gibson signed with New England in free agency. He is expected to serve as the team’s primary receiving back and a change-of-pace option to Rhamondre Stevenson. Gibson bringing back the “third-down back” option that worked so well for so long in New England could help make for a more dynamic offense in 2024.

RB Antonio Gibson (21), who opened training camp on the non-football injury list, is here at practice and upping his level of participation.

This indicates that he has been cleared, as this video highlights one of his calling cards — pass-catching ability. pic.twitter.com/MjmDPstT8C

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 28, 2024

Jennings signed with the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M. Getting on the field to show what he is capable of is crucial for the rookie running back. With New England already releasing two UDFAs since the start of training camp, it is crucial to make the most of every opportunity as long as he remains with the team. He will compete with Harris, Hasty, and Fenwick to convince the team to keep a third running back on the initial 53-man roster.

Also in Monday’s Patriots Daily:

Patriots Fact of the Day

Antonio Gibson could become a dangrous receiver out of the New England Patriots backfield in 2024. Here are the top seasons for Patriots running backs for receptions and receiving yards:

Receptions
87 James White, 2018
77 Tony Collins, 1986
72 James White, 2019
69 Rhamondre Stevenson, 2022
65 Leroy Thompson, 1994
60 James White, 2016

Receiving Yards
751 James White, 2018
684 Tony Collins, 1986
645 James White, 2019
551 James White, 2016
549 Tony Collins, 1985
507 Larry Garron, 1967

Post of the Day

Yesterday’s Drake Maye throws of the day, brought to you by Taylor Kyles of CLNS:

Drake Maye's throws of the day

🎥: @PatriotsCLNS pic.twitter.com/1ywDvSZrcZ

— Taylor Kyles (@tkyles39) July 28, 2024

Training Camp Competition: New England’s Offensive Line– Center David Andrews appears the only offensive lineman solidified in a specific starting role. Mike Onwenu will be in the starting lineup as well. Who will join them on the Patriots offensive line? Which other linemen will make the 53-man roster?

Patriots Sunday: Ten Quick Thoughts From Camp – Jacoby Brissett needs to play better. Contracts needs to be worked out for Matthew Judon and Davon Godchaux. Patriots fans will love Joe Milton III. Hunter Henry and Ja’Whaun exude leadership. These and other thoughts from Patriots training camp.

Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Josiah Bronson – The Patriots signed defensive lineman Josiah Bronson on Sunday. This fills one of two open spots on the team’s 90-man offseason roster. Bronson is well-traveled in college, the NFL, and most recently played in the UFL’s inaugural season.

Scary Diagnosis for New England Patriots Star – Christian Barmore turned 25 on Sunday. That same day the Patriots issued a press release stating the star defensive tackle was being treated for blood clots. A timetable for returning to football is unknown, but a scary situation for a fantastic player.

NFL Coverage

CBS Sports – Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa recently agreed to a massive contract extension. Will Brinson writes that many will claim the Dolphins overpaid their starting quarterback but he believes this is a smart deal for both sides. What do you think?

NFL.com – San Francisco 49ers QB Brock Purdy is entering his third season in the NFL. What is he hoping for in 2024? “That Tom Brady feeling,” says Purdy. Lofty goals for any quarterback. What does Purdy have in mind?

Steelers Now – Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is incredibly talented. Many Patriots fans regret the team selecting Tyquan Thornton ahead of Pickens in the 2022 NFL Draft. But SN writer Alan Saunders asks if Steelers fans should be concerned with Pickens’ behavior.

Boston Bruins

Boston Hockey Now – It’s been a busy offseason for the Boston Bruins. Comings and going in free agency have brought several new faces to Boston. BHN gives a refresher on the state of the Bruins roster at this stage in the offseason.

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