The Patriots running game has been a hit-or-miss prospect for most of this season, and that was true even when the original group–Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Antonio Gibson–was fully healthy. With Gibson out for the year because of a torn ACL, and now with Stevenson battling a toe injury and missing the past two games, the group is even more scattered.
Practice squad call-up Terrell Jennings, too, is up in the air as he battles a knee injury.
There was some good news coming out of Monday’s practice, though, as Stevenson returned, though on a limited basis. Jennings, who left the win over Tampa with the knee problem, also practiced, but was designated as limited. Henderson, after a breakout, 147-yard showing on Sunday, was also limited with a knee problem.
Patriots Adding Jonathan Ward (Again)
So who, exactly, will be in the backfield for the Patriots on Thursday night is anybody’s guess. But the team did announce a reinforcement on Monday, as they re-signed practice squad running back Jonathan Ward, a five-year veteran who had been with the Patriots on the practice squad before he was released a week ago.
The Patriots had signed receiver Brenden Rice, son of NFL legend Jerry Rice, but released him in a corresponding move.
From the Patriots’ release on Ward: “The 5-foot-11, 202-pounder, has spent time in the NFL with the Arizona Cardinals, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. He originally entered the NFL as a rookie free agent with Arizona out of Central Michigan in 2020. …
“Overall, he has played in 47 games and has 22 rushing attempts for 91 yards and 6 receptions for 52 yards with 1 touchdown.”
Patriots Blocking Key vs. Jets
Overall, the Patriots were able to get some big production out of the running game, thanks mostly to two huge touchdown runs–of 55 and 69 yards–by Henderson. New England has the No. 16 running game in the league, with 1,177 yards rushing, and coach Mike Vrabel said that the team will need to continue pushing into the second level on its blocks to keep improving on the ground.
“I think being able to make some pressure like they do, backers are fast, they all run, they’re good edge players,” Vrabel said. “I studied their edge players when they were coming out, and it’s about what I thought that they would be. Very active, long, fast, ability to affect the quarterback in the middle pocket.
“And so, we’ll have to block the front and make sure that the backers are covered up, or we’ll have a tough time running the football.”
Jets Depleted After Trades, Injuries
The Jets are an odd bunch, having started the season 0-7 but bouncing back with two straight wins coming into the Patriots matchup. Two special teams touchdown returns helped bolster their surprising win over the Browns, a win that came after the Jets traded away their two best defensive players, cornerback Sauce Gardner and defensive lineman Quinnen Williams.
The Jets will be without top offensive option Garrett Wilson on Thursday, as he is out with a knee injury.
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