New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots opened training camp on Tuesday and officially begin practice on Wednesday.
Running back Antonio Gibson is among the most versatile weapons returning to the team. The 27-year-old is entering his sixth NFL season and second with the Patriots.
Gibson continued to show his dual-threat ability as both a rusher and pass-catcher with New England last year, as well as a kickoff returner.
With rookie second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson joining starting running back Rhamondre Stevenson in the backfield, it’s fair to wonder how big a role Gibson will have in 2025.
Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald answered fans’ questions in his latest “Patriots mailbag” on Tuesday and called Gibson the team’s most “under-the-radar” player to watch heading into training camp.
“He’s most likely safe for a roster spot,” Kyed wrote. “He was the Patriots’ best running back last season, outperforming Rhamondre Stevenson, who experienced a down year coming off of a contract extension.
“But the Patriots did select TreVeyon Henderson in the second round and signed Lan Larison as an undrafted free agent. If Henderson emerges as a change-of-pace back and potential third-down option, then it’s unclear what Gibson’s role in the offense would be.”
The former Washington Commanders back finished his first season with the Patriots posting 538 rushing yards and one touchdown on 120 carries (4.5 yards per attempt), while adding 23 catches on 29 targets for 206 scoreless yards. Gibson’s 143 touches and 744 yards from scrimmage were both second on the team, only behind Stevenson, though his 5.2 yards per touch were better than his teammate’s 4.0.
Gibson also had nine kick returns for a team-leading 239 yards, giving him a team-high 983 all-purpose yards.
“Gibson showed off impressive speed and game-breaking ability in the second half of last season,” Kyed wrote. “He also possesses pass-catching prowess dating back to his time in college as a wide receiver at Memphis.
“Training camp could be a make-or-break time for Gibson as returning offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels decides what to do with the former Commanders ballcarrier.”
