Hassan Haskins’ path to his first preseason contest with the New England Patriots wasn’t a typical one.
New England signed the free-agent running back on Wednesday, just one day before its preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. It’s an opportunity that Haskins is excited for with the chance to reunite with head coach Mike Vrabel.
Before Haskins concluded his 2025 season with the Los Angeles Chargers, a Tennessee Titans team led by Vrabel drafted the Michigan product in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
“It’s nice, man. That’s my guy, for sure,” Haskins said after Sunday’s walkthrough practice about the reunion. “We definitely have history. I’m excited to be back. I know the mindset he has, and I’m going to bring it here.”
The Patriots’ move to sign the ball carrier, along with familiar face JaMychal Hasty, was a corresponding move after last year’s third running back, Terrell Jennings, was placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Following the initial free-agency period in March, Haskins remained unsigned up until he arrived in New England.
“I’ll take it one day at a time,” Haskins said. “The first preseason game, I was lucky to be back playing football with an organization as good as this one,” Haskins said. “And I’m just excited to be out there. I just want to have fun, and I’m glad to be back.”
Haskins immediately filled in on the kickoff coverage unit and logged five offensive snaps in the second half, breaking three tackles while carrying the ball five times for 15 yards. The 26-year-old also broke loose for a 13-yard rush early in the fourth quarter, but a holding penalty negated the first down.
Learning the playbook is one of the things Haskins had to quickly adjust to in the short period leading up to Thursday’s game. He credits running backs coach Tony Dews, who also coached him in Tennessee, with doing a good job explaining things to him.
For Haskins’ career, the St. Louis, MO, native has totaled 229 yards and two touchdowns on 76 attempts through three seasons. He has also proven capable as a receiver out of the backfield with 119 yards on 18 receptions.
Through the remainder of the preseason, Haskins will compete for a spot on New England’s final 53-man roster in 2026.
Special teams contributions play a crucial role in some players securing roles, and Haskins has extensive experience doing so in the NFL and in college.
“Your attributes to special teams — I just always did it in college,” Haskins said. “So, it just always was built in me, and I feel like anywhere I can get on the field, I’m going to do it and do it to the best of my ability.”