Copyright The Boston Globe
There are several reasons why the Patriots’ offense has enjoyed success over the first eight games, but continued good health has been at or near the top of the list. New England’s offensive difference-makers have managed to stay mostly healthy through much of the first half of the season, something that’s played a sizable role in their 6-2 start. Drake Maye, Stefon Diggs, Hunter Henry, Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and Rhamondre Stevenson have all stayed on the field consistently, and have all made big plays in helping the Patriots emerge as a first-place team. Their presence is notable, especially when you consider the injuries that other AFC offensive difference-makers like Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow, and Tyreek Hill have sustained to this point in the season. However, the loss of Antonio Gibson earlier in the year and the toe injury that will keep Stevenson sidelined for Sunday’s game will provide the first significant test of the season for New England’s offensive depth, specifically at running back. Against the Falcons, the Patriots will be tasked with trying to make do with a series of backs who are thin when it comes to experience in their system. To build some depth at the position, the Patriots elevated veteran running back D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad to the 53-man roster on Saturday. The 29-year-old Johnson, who was signed to the practice squad earlier in the week, has been with the Browns, Jaguars, Ravens, and Cardinals over the course of his career. He’s a 5-foot-11-inch, 205-pounder who has played in 96 career games and has 215 rushing attempts for 989 yards with three touchdowns, and 63 receptions for 465 yards. Advertisement Rookie TreVeyon Henderson is the most intriguing candidate for a potential breakout game. The first-year player out of Ohio State, who flashed positively in the preseason, has found playing time in short supply for much of the first half of the regular season. He did break out last week down the stretch against the Browns with 10 carries for 75 yards. Overall, the 5-10, 202-pounder has 228 carries on 53 yards and a touchdown, as well as 16 catches for 99 yards. Terrell Jennings has mostly shuttled between the practice squad and the 53-man roster in his two seasons with the Patriots; in six career games dating back to 2024, the 6-foot, 217-pound Jennings has rushed for 66 yards on 20 carries. “Just like we tell everybody when they get here on Wednesday, whoever’s here on the active or the practice squad, prepare as a starter,” coach Mike Vrabel said when asked about the state of the running back room this week. Advertisement “I feel like those guys have done that, try to do that,” he added. “[We’ll] continue to try to get everybody ready for the football game, and see where we’re at from a numbers standpoint.” The absences of Stevenson and Gibson also figure to impact the kicking game as well. Henderson and Jennings have worked as returners; however, if they’re deemed more valuable to the offensive game plan against Atlanta, the Patriots could make sure Efton Chism III is active to work as a kick returner. In addition, Johnson (33 career kick returns for 772 yards) could also work in the return game as well. Regardless of who’s out there Sunday, Henderson said they’re going to be keeping Stevenson in mind. “[Rhamondre] has been such a great vet; just leading by example,” Henderson said. “He’s the leader of this running back room and he’s done a great job of just helping me and Terrell just continue to learn and grow with his play. So we’re thankful for [Rhamondre]. Me and Terrell, we’re definitely going to try to give it everything we’ve got in honor of [him]. We know he’d love to be out on the field.” Falcons WR elevated On Saturday, the Falcons elevated wide receiver Dylan Drummond from the practice squad for Sunday’s game. A former undrafted free agent in his third season in the NFL, the 6-foot, 190-pounder likely provides an added layer of depth for the offense and the kicking game. Christopher Price can be reached at christopher.price@globe.com. Follow him on Bluesky at christopherprice.bsky.social.
