Since going undrafted out of Florida A&M in 2024, running back Terrell Jennings has spent time between the practice squad and active roster of the New England Patriots. (Photo by M. Anthony Nesmith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Three running backs currently reside on the active roster for the New England Patriots. One of whom will soon be placed on injured reserve.
Antonio Gibson’s season ended on a kickoff return during the first game of October. After being ruled out with a knee injury against the Buffalo Bills, an MRI confirmed that the veteran sustained a torn ACL.
That leaves proven production to replace both on offense and on special teams. It leaves a sophomore in line for a call-up from the practice squad of a 3-2 team.
Terrell Jennings is ready to make the most of the difficult situation.
“Me and Antonio is actually really close. That’s my locker buddy, as well,” the 24-year-old back told reporters during locker room availability on Wednesday. “He told me, ‘It’s your time, man. Just come on. It’s time to go.’ I took that hard, because that’s my brother. I’m with him every day. To see him go down like that, it hurt me to the core. Like, I would be wrong if I didn’t go out there and do my job to uphold his standard.”
Jennings made his way to Gillette Stadium as a tryout at rookie minicamp in 2024. It led to a contract being signed by the undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M, who finished his FCS career with 381 carries for 1,754 yards and 24 touchdowns over 45 appearances.
From there, the Rattlers product went on to pace the Patriots in rushing during his first NFL preseason before being waived at the 53-man roster deadline. But upon clearing waivers, New England signed Jennings to the practice squad at its formation.
A standard elevation and reversion followed last fall. By winter, so did a promotion to the active roster.
Jennings finished his rookie campaign having logged three appearances. He rushed for 33 yards across 13 carries, was targeted once in the passing game, and saw 38 snaps on offense to go with 18 snaps on special teams.
“Just downhill physicality, physical runs. That’s what I bring to the table,” said the 6-foot, 217-pound Jennings. “Pass pro, as well. I just try to protect my teammates, protect the quarterback and protect the ball, as well. So, getting downhill, running through and breaking tackles. That’s what I like to bring to the table.”
To begin 2025, Jennings missed time in training camp on the way to going unclaimed and again being retained on the scout team. He is now joined there by reigning All-UFL selection Jashaun Corbin, who worked out and signed on Tuesday.
Both running backs are eligible to be elevated three times before a move the 53-man roster would be required to take the field.
“I’m greatly excited,” Jennings said. “To show the world, show these guys, show my teammates that I’m here to play for them and do it all for my team.”
In the event the elevation route is not taken, an active spot will open once Gibson, who earned AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors in September, is officially moved to injured reserve. The former Washington Commander’s stay in Foxborough has brought 644 rushing yards, 214 receiving yards and 581 return yards across 22 games. It’s also brought three touchdowns.
Starter Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie No. 38 overall pick TreVeyon Henderson will take the lead for the position moving forward.
“I’ve learned resilience and just next-play mindset, because things happen,” Jennings said of the running back room. “You can’t beat yourself up about it. That’s the biggest thing. We don’t back down at all from no challenge. That’s what I’ve learned from this running back group.”
The New Orleans Saints host Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at the Caesars Superdome. Jennings is expected to make the trip through one transaction or another.
“I think he’s a great teammate,” head coach Mike Vrabel said during his midweek press conference. “I think he cares about the team. He’s able to play on special teams. He’s able to play on fourth down. He’s got a toughness to him. I think he’s improved.”