The New England Patriots got an unfortunate break on Sunday night when Antonio Gibson was helped off the pitch, only to subsequently discover that the former Washington Commander was out for the season with a torn ACL.
The running back and returner sustained the injury after taking a big hit on a kick return in the second quarter.
At present, the Patriots are left with just two running backs on the active roster, veteran Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie second round pick, TreVeyon Henderson.
So perhaps it is not a surprise to many that the Patriots have made a decision to add to the room, signing tailback, Jashaun Corbin to the practice squad, per Sophie Weller of Patriots Wire.
The Patriots announced they have signed RB Jashaun Corbin to the practice squad and released OL Royce Newman from the practice squad.” Weller reported on Tuesday.
In a corresponding move, New England moved on from ex Green Bay Packers starting guard and fourth round pick, Royce Newman.
The Patriots Make An Addition At Running Back
Even prior to Gibson’s injury the rushing attack was looked at by many as one of the key Achilles Heels of the team.
Stevenson has suffered from a fumbling problem that continues on the unfortunate streak from 2024, when the former Oklahoma star lead the league with 7, and currently retains that top-of-the-NFL position with 3 already.
And the second round rookie, whom many thought would quickly take over as RB1, has only averaged 3.8 yards per carry on 32 attempts, working out to a lacklustre 24 yards per game to start the year.
There is no doubt that between Stevenson, who signed a four year, $36 million extension in the 2024 offseason, and Henderson, the team will ultimately figure out the deficiencies running the ball. Especially as the offensive line, which currently sports two rookies, finds its footing.
What Role Could Jashaun Corbin Play On The Team In 2025?
In the meantime, Jashaun Corbin will likely take on the role as RB3 behind the two main starters, who figure to share the load moving forward, particularly if Stevenson’s fumbling problems do not start to clear themselves up.
Corbin joins the practice squad, not the active roster, so it is not immediately apparent that he will even be active on game day, let alone having any sort of major impact on the team.
Although the likelihood would be that Corbin sees a game-day roster at least once, Mike Vrabel will likely stick with Stevenson and Henderson for the grand majority of snaps that do not occur in garbage time.
In the NFL, franchises can elevate an individual player from the practice to the game-day squad up to three times over the course of a single season.
This will give the Patriots an opportunity to bring him in for the best part of a month as cover for their starting pair – and if he shows capabilities when called upon, it would not be shocking to see him eventually added to the 53-man roster.
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