A Familiar Waiting Game in Foxborough
It’s late October in Foxborough, and once again, the New England Patriots find themselves in a situation they know all too well — waiting, analyzing, and preparing to make a roster move that could subtly redefine their offense.
Sources close to the team confirmed early this week that the Patriots are anticipating a running-back roster decision by the end of the week, possibly as early as Saturday. It’s a small headline on the surface — but for a roster already stretched thin, and an offense desperately searching for rhythm, it’s a decision that could ripple through the rest of the season.
Bill Belichick used to call these weeks “transitional periods.” Others call them “auditions.” Either way, the message inside Gillette Stadium is the same: change is coming to the backfield.
A Season That’s Tested Depth and Patience
The Patriots’ running-back room began the 2025 season looking balanced, at least on paper. Rhamondre Stevenson, the bruising third-year workhorse, was back as the feature back. Veteran free-agent pickup Antonio Gibson provided speed and pass-catching insurance. And two young depth options — JaMycal Hasty and Kevin Harris — filled out the rotation.
But as October rolled on, the cracks began to show.
Stevenson battled through a nagging thigh injury that limited his snap count and burst. Gibson, though dynamic in space, has struggled to adapt to the Patriots’ run-heavy gap schemes, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry through six games. Meanwhile, the team’s run game as a whole ranks 26th in the NFL in efficiency — a stunning fall from the top-10 standard that once defined the Belichick-era offense.
By Week 7, the Patriots’ offensive staff, now led by coordinator Alex Van Pelt, began whispering about reinforcements. The conversation wasn’t just about talent. It was about identity.
“We’ve Got to Find a Spark”
After Sunday’s loss to Buffalo, Van Pelt didn’t mince words.
“We’ve got to find a spark in the run game,” he said. “We’re too predictable, too flat on early downs. That’s not who we want to be.”
Van Pelt, who joined the Patriots in the offseason after his run with Cleveland, has always valued balance — not just for philosophy’s sake, but for quarterback protection. With Drake Maye still acclimating to the pro game, a reliable running attack is more than just complementary; it’s essential.
And right now, it’s missing.
“We can’t keep saying ‘almost.’ At some point, we’ve got to finish drives. We’ve got to finish games. And that starts with how we run the football.” Mayo’s words weren’t directed at any one player, but the message landed. Behind closed doors, staff meetings have reportedly included blunt assessments of positional performance. Running back, by all accounts, was at the top of that list.
In last week’s loss, New England’s offensive line — still reshuffling after injuries to guards Cole Strange and Sidy Sow — failed to create vertical push. Too many runs died in the backfield. But equally concerning was the lack of burst from the ball carriers themselves. Stevenson’s longest rush of the game: 7 yards. Gibson’s: 9. Both runs came late in garbage time. The absence of a true perimeter threat has allowed defenses to crowd the box. Without the fear of a bounce-out or a home-run threat, safeties are crashing early, neutralizing the Patriots’ play-action game before it even develops. That’s why a fresh addition — even a small one — could matter. Someone with legs to stretch the defense, even on limited snaps, could re-open the playbook for Maye and Van Pelt. Voices Inside the Locker Room Teammates have stayed diplomatic, but not oblivious. Center David Andrews, the emotional heartbeat of the offense, admitted this week that the line hasn’t met its standard. “We take pride in setting the tone,” he said. “Doesn’t matter who’s behind us — we’ve got to create space. But whoever comes in, they’ll be ready. That’s the Patriot way.” Running back Rhamondre Stevenson, who’s known for his quiet leadership, echoed a similar sentiment — though his frustration peeked through. “We’ve got the talent,” Stevenson said. “We just need to finish runs better, read the holes faster. Whoever they bring in, I’m good with it. We all just want to win.” Veterans understand the rhythm of the New England machine: performance dictates opportunity, and competition never stops. Roster Chess: How the Numbers Fit The Patriots currently sit at 52 players on the active roster, leaving one open spot — a subtle clue that the front office has been planning a move. The team could promote Fenwick or Hasty without cutting anyone. But if a free agent is signed, someone must go. The most likely candidates: Wide receiver Jalen Reagor, who has seen limited snaps on offense. Special teamer Matthew Slater’s replacement, if the team opts for a temporary roster shuffle. Eliot Wolf’s front office has been meticulous about maintaining flexibility, especially with the trade deadline approaching. A late-week running-back addition could also serve as a precursor to a larger roster shake-up if the team loses again this weekend. The Coaching Philosophy: Evolving Beyond Belichick Jerod Mayo’s Patriots are still finding their identity. While Belichick’s teams often valued experience and control, Mayo’s leadership has leaned toward energy and accountability. He has been quick to reward effort and quicker to make changes when things stagnate. In his post-game presser last Sunday, his tone hinted that patience is wearing thin:
The Patriots’ internal numbers show a troubling trend: in their last three games, first-down rushing plays have produced an average of 2.8 yards per attempt. That means long second-downs, obvious passing situations, and defenses free to blitz.
