Before the official announcement, fans already feared the worst for Patriots running back Antonio Gibson. The way he left the field in visible pain during the Patriots’ Sunday night match against the Bills was heartbreaking. Following a low hit to his knee, the bad news was confirmed.

Gibson tore his ACL, ending his 2025 season. It’s a brutal loss for New England as Gibson had quietly become a key weapon in the backfield and the team’s go-to kick returner since joining the unit last year.

The Patriots will have to bridge the gap quickly, or their adversaries may become inevitable. Upon asking who can be a potential replacement for the 27-year-old, the Patriots head coach Mike Vrabell said, “I think probably look everywhere if there’s somebody that we feel like can help us, whether that’s not running back or any other position right now. Nothing new to at.”

Now with only rookie TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson left standing, the Patriots will be in a scrambling mode. They can elevate Terrell Jennings or turn to free agency, where Gus Edwards, Zack Moss, and Jamaal Williams make the active lineup.

Another help for the Patriots might be in the Dolphins‘ practice squad. JaMycal Hasty, who signed with Miami earlier this year after being cut by New England during roster cuts, can be a perfect plug-in for the Patriots. His familiarity with the system would make a smooth return to Foxborough.

Injury-depleted Patriots eye for kicker and RB 

Once Antonio Gibson is officially placed on injured reserve, he will become the third running back and fourth backfield player overall that the Patriots have lost this season so far. Before him, rookie Lan Larison and third-year back Deneric Prince were already sidelined, along with fullback Brock Lampe, who also sustained a season-ending injury and won’t be returning this year.

The injury bug hasn’t stopped there. Offensive lineman Yasir Durant and Layden Robinson, defensive lineman Isaiah Iton, and cornerback Marcellas Dial Jr. are all on the injury reserve as well. Linebacker Jahlani Tavai started the season on that list too, but became the first Patriot to return from Injury reserve on Saturday. Against the Bills, New England leaned on Rhamondre Stevenson to handle kickoff return duties in Gibson’s absence, with Henderson also rotating in deep as another option. Still, with both backs now even more vital to the offense, it’s fair to ask how much the team will risk exposing them to the extras.

The NFL can be a ruthless business, and it might lead to the Patriots moving on from Antonio Gibson next offseason. Coming off a torn ACL and having and unable to bring in those offensive snaps after the return, Gibson’s future in Foxborough is uncertain, especially with only $1 million guaranteed left on his contract for 2026. Don’t be shocked if the Patriots shake up their unit. This might mean promoting someone new or bringing in another player. Everything remains to be seen for now.