Patriots Projected To Cut Running Back After Just Two Seasons Before Season

Patriots Projected To Cut Running Back After Just Two Seasons Before Season originally appeared on NESN.
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The New England Patriots drafted running back Jam Miller in the NFL Draft, and the move could lead to a difficult roster cut.

Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson will lead the backfield, but the No. 3 spot is up for grabs. Antonio Gibson is gone, and the Patriots are reportedly releasing Elijah Mitchell as well. Terrell Jennings has been with the team for two seasons, but Miller’s arrival could lead to his time with the Patriots coming to an end.

The Athletic’s Chad Graff predicted that Jennings would not make the 53-man roster. Graff projected that Stevenson, Henderson and Miller would be the team’s running backs, despite some flaws in Miller’s game.

“There’s an open competition here for the Patriots’ No. 3 job behind Stevenson and Henderson,” Graff wrote on Monday. “Miller has the straight-line speed that makes him enticing (and potentially the favorite) for the role. But he has struggled in pass protection and as a receiver, two of the top qualities that offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels values in a third-down back.”

Jennings played in seven games last season and had 73 rushing yards and a touchdown. He did not get much playing time, playing behind Henderson and Stevenson, but was effective when he was needed. He has played in 10 games since joining the Patriots in 2024. However, Miller’s speed is more impactful as a third-string running back, and he should be able to win the job.

The fact that the Patriots invested a draft pick in him also gives him a slight edge. Miller had 1,596 rushing yards in his four seasons at the University of Alabama. He also scored 13 touchdowns. The seventh-round pick could certainly make the roster, but it would likely have to be at the expense of Jennings.