The New England Patriots are the hottest team in the NFL currently. With a 10-2 record, the Pats are on top of the AFC heading into Week 13, and they are currently riding a nine-game win streak that they will look to extend to 10 when they return to action. However, there are some holes on this roster that could come back to haunt this team down the stretch of the season.
While the Pats’ offense has been one of the top units in the league thanks to the stellar play of second-year quarterback Drake Maye, the rushing attack hasn’t been nearly as good. Losing No. 3 running back Antonio Gibson to a torn ACL back in Week 5 certainly hasn’t helped, and ever since then, the front office has been looking to add some help at this spot. On Friday, that led them to former Detroit Lions running back Craig Reynolds.
Patriots Sign Craig Reynolds to Practice Squad
New England’s running back room was expected to be one of its strengths this season, but it hasn’t panned out that way. Beyond Gibson’s aforementioned injury, Rhamondre Stevenson has struggled to produce consistently, thanks in large part to his continued fumbling woes, while TreVeyon Henderson was stuck behind Stevenson for much of the season until he was forced to miss three games recently with a toe injury.
During Stevenson’s absence, the team turned to Terrell Jennings as another option at running back, but he hasn’t been all that effective either. Several guys have rotated through the practice squad, and now, Reynolds will be the latest guy to join that club after he was released by the Lions right before their Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Reynolds was in year No. 5 with Detroit, working primarily as a third option on the ground behind Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Playing time has been hard to come by for him this year, though, as he has just three carries for four yards. However, he has quite a bit of NFL experience, and that helped him latch on with the Pats’ practice squad just a couple of days after his release.
“Patriots update: Signing former veteran Lions and Kutztown University Golden Bears Football
running back Craig Reynolds to practice squad today, pending physical, per source. Arrived today at Gillette Stadium,” Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported in a post on X.
Patriots Hoping to Earn Another Win Before Bye Week in Week 14
GettyCINCINNATI, OHIO – NOVEMBER 23: Drake Maye #10 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on November 23, 2025 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
With Stevenson back on the field, the Pats have their preferred trio of him, Henderson, and Jennings leading the way. While Henderson has been great as of late with more touches coming his way, Stevenson and Jennings have struggled. Reynolds won’t factor into the mix immediately, but he could get called upon if these two guys continue to fail to meet expectations.
Heading into Week 13, the Patriots will continue leaning on their current group of running backs, but having Reynolds in town as another depth option is a great luxury to have at this point in the season, especially as injuries begin to pile up. New England will look to continue its win streak in Week 13 by picking up a victory over the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
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