The New England Patriots have struggled with offensive consistency lately due to injuries and ball-security issues. As they approach 2026, former Patriots RB Antonio Gibson is concentrating on an important recovery phase away from the team.
Antonio Gibson Taps Into Stefon Diggs’ ACL Recovery Blueprint With Dr Sharif Tabbah
Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) practices before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Sep 7, 2025; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (4) practices before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Gibson is currently rehabilitating a torn ACL under the supervision of Dr Sharif Tabbah. Tabbah is the same specialist who managed the successful recovery of Stefon Diggs.
Former #Patriots RB Antonio Gibson is recovering from his ACL tear by working with Dr. Sharif Tabah, the same specialist that helped former New England WR Stefon Diggs with his ACL recovery.
(🎥: @doctor_reef) pic.twitter.com/0dHZ7UzApj
— New England Sports Fellow (@_JosephManning) April 1, 2026
Gibson is mirroring the rehab plan that enabled Diggs to return in under nine months during the 2025 season. The rapid timeline impressed the league and set a new standard for elite recovery.
The 27-year-old suffered the injury in Week five of the 2025 season during a kickoff return against the Buffalo Bills. Tests later confirmed a torn ACL and ended his season. He was ultimately released by New England in February 2026. The Patriots cut Gibson with no guaranteed money remaining on his deal.
That exit didn’t just close a chapter; it raised questions about Antonio Gibson’s NFL future. A versatile back with over 3,200 career rushing yards and nearly 1,500 receiving yards, he’s shown flashes as both a runner and pass catcher. Coming off a major knee injury without team backing, he’s in a prove-it phase.
Dr Tabbah’s program combines traditional rehab with advanced techniques like anti-gravity treadmills and neuromuscular stimulation. Diggs credited this approach to his rapid recovery. Gibson is following the same blueprint.
Early clips suggest Gibson is progressing through cutting and mobility drills, a key checkpoint in ACL recovery. The timeline remains fluid, but if he tracks anywhere close to Diggs’ path, teams will take notice before training camps open.
Running backs don’t always get long leashes after injuries like this. The margin is thinner. But Gibson has already built a résumé as a dual-threat option and special teams contributor. That versatility could be his entry point back onto a roster.
The upcoming months are pivotal. If Gibson returns to his explosive form, he will likely attract NFL interest. Otherwise, his professional opportunities may rapidly diminish.