After Thrilling Win Over Bills, Patriots Lose Veteran RB with 22 Touchdowns

Foxborough, Massachusetts – The heart-stopping 23–20 victory over the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium allowed the New England Patriots to end the winning streak of their divisional rival, but it came at a steep cost – the loss of veteran running back Antonio Gibson to a knee injury.

The incident occurred in the second quarter, when Gibson was executing a kickoff return and suffered a hard collision to his right knee. He attempted to stand but quickly collapsed and had to leave the field with the assistance of the medical team. After evaluation in the medical tent, the Patriots confirmed that Gibson would not return for the remainder of the game.

The 27-year-old – who has played 6 seasons in the NFL and scored 22 touchdowns in his career – is considered a key piece in head coach Mike Vrabel’s roster, both in the offensive and special teams units. Gibson has shown consistent performance since the start of the season, teaming up with Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson to form an effective rotating RB group for the Patriots.

NFL fan gear

In the post-game press conference, Coach Vrabel expressed concern but maintained an optimistic outlook:
“Antonio is a warrior. He’s brought energy, experience, and composure in critical moments. We’re awaiting detailed test results, and his loss is a significant blow to our lineup. Still, I believe Antonio will come back stronger.”

Gibson’s absence will undoubtedly pose a major challenge for the Patriots in the weeks ahead, especially since he is not only a veteran RB but also serves as the primary kick returner – a role that demands speed, endurance, and sharp game-reading ability.

Nevertheless, the victory over the Bills remains a powerful statement: the Patriots are undergoing a revival with an unyielding fighting spirit. And as Coach Vrabel put it – “Gibson will return, because that’s the essence of a Patriot.”