New England Patriots
Getty
The Los Angeles Chargers requested an interview with a member of the Patriots coaching staff
The New England Patriots released running back Antonio Gibson on Monday afternoon. This was reported by multiple media outlets.
Gibson suffered a season-ending knee injury in October. This paved the way for Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson to form a two-man backfield. They were able to provide production at the running back spot in Gibson’s absence.
Gibson recorded 25 rushing attempts for 106 yards and a rushing touchdown in five games before his injury. He had a much more productive 2024 season. He recorded 120 rushing attempts for 538 yards and a touchdown. The running back also had 23 catches for 260 yards on the year.
One of his more memorable moments this season came when he recorded a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Miami Dolphins. He earned Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his efforts.
The running back came to New England by way of free agency in 2024. He spent four seasons in Washington, that saw him tally 642 carries for 2,643 yards and 21 touchdowns. He was a major part of what the Commanders did in the passing game as well. Running back tallied 172 catches for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns.
New England Patriots announced that they have released RB Antonio Gibson. pic.twitter.com/XC2zaUuDjg
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 23, 2026
https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js
New England Patriots Have Emerging Depth
The Patriots now have a young running back room. In addition to Stevenson and Henderson, they also have Terrell Jennings and Lan Larison. Jennings and Larison are both 24 years old.
This could mean that the Patriots elect to add a veteran depth piece in the room. This could also mean that either Jennings or Larison get a chance to shine with Gibson’s departure. Jennings was signed by the Patriots following the 2025 draft as a rookie free agent. He began his New England career on the offseason roster, competing for a depth role at the running back and special-teams position.
Larison was drafted in the sixth round with the 187th overall selection. The Patriots elected to use a late-round pick on him, as they continued to search for ways to add depth to the running back room.
This could leave a bit of a void for the Patriots in both the kick return and pass-catching departments. Gibson excelled in the special-teams role for the Patriots. He had 1,407 kickoff return yards on 56 returns. His longest return was that kickoff return against the Dolphins in a play that changed the momentum of the game itself.
Now, it’s up to some of the younger guys to be able to step up in Gibson’s absence. If there is one silver lining, it is that the Patriots already have proven running backs in Stevenson and Henderson. They should be able to carry the load while the younger backs develop. Running back by nature is a position where as many bodies as possible will be needed. Patriots will need to develop them, as well as find a potential third veteran running back. It’s a position that may warrant watching over the course of the next couple of months, and it will be interesting to see how the Patriots fill that spot.