Patriots Stun NFL: Veteran RB Signed Hours Before Colts Opener
Patriots Add Veteran Running Back Hassan Haskins Before Preseason Opener
What Happened?
The New England Patriots made a roster move just before their first preseason game. They signed an experienced running back and let go of a rookie to make room. Here’s the simple version:
- Signed: Hassan Haskins — a running back who has played in 44 NFL games
- Waived (released): Myles Montgomery — a rookie running back who just joined the team in May
- Timing: Wednesday, right before the preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET
Important Point: When a team "waives" a player with an injury designation, it means the player is hurt. If no other team claims him, he goes to the team’s Injured Reserve (IR) list and stays there for the rest of the season — unless the team and player agree on a settlement.
Who Is Hassan Haskins?
Think of Haskins as a big, strong runner who also helps on special teams (kickoffs, punts, etc.). Here’s his football resume in plain English:
College Star at Michigan
- Played for the University of Michigan
- Ran for 2,495 yards and scored 30 touchdowns
- Named First-Team All-Big Ten (one of the best in the conference)
NFL Draft & Early Career
- Drafted in 2022 by the Tennessee Titans — 4th round, pick #131 overall
- Played under Mike Vrabel (now Patriots head coach) and Tony Dews (now Patriots running backs coach)
- Also worked with Ryan Cowden (now Patriots VP of player personnel)
Time with the Chargers
- In 2024, claimed off waivers by the Los Angeles Chargers
- Reunited with Jim Harbaugh (his college coach at Michigan)
Haskins’ NFL Journey So Far (By the Numbers)
| Stat | Total |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 44 |
| Carries (Rushing Attempts) | 76 |
| Rushing Yards | 229 |
| Receptions (Catches) | 18 |
| Receiving Yards | 119 |
| Total Touchdowns | 3 |
| Games Started | 1 |
| Special Teams Tackles | 30 |
| Offensive Snaps | 371 |
| Special Teams Snaps | 683 |
Key Takeaway: Haskins has played almost twice as many snaps on special teams (683) as on offense (371). That tells you his main role so far: core special teamer who can spell running backs when needed.
What This Means for the Patriots’ Running Back Room
The Patriots now have six running backs heading into the preseason game:
- Rhamondre Stevenson — Lead back, proven starter
- TreVeyon Henderson — Rookie, 2nd round pick (2025)
- Hassan Haskins — Veteran, special teams ace
- Terrell Jennings — Returning player
- Lan Larison — Returning player
- Jam Miller — Rookie
Why Add Haskins Now?
- Experience: 44 games = knows the speed of the NFL
- Connections: Already knows Vrabel, Dews, Cowden → faster learning curve
- Special Teams: 30 tackles, 683 snaps = immediate contributor on coverage units
- Depth: Insurance behind Stevenson and Henderson
The Corresponding Move: Myles Montgomery Waived
To add Haskins, the Patriots had to remove someone. They chose Myles Montgomery, a rookie signed after the draft.
Montgomery’s Background
- Age: 23
- Size: 5-foot-10, 205 pounds
- College Path: 3 years at Cincinnati → 2 years at Central Florida (UCF)
- College Stats: 274 carries, 1,546 yards, 11 touchdowns
- Leadership: Team captain at UCF
- Signed: May 2025 as an undrafted free agent (not picked in the draft, but signed after)
What Happens Next for Montgomery?
- He was waived with an injury designation
- He goes through waivers (other teams can claim him)
- If no one claims him, he reverts to Patriots Injured Reserve (IR)
- He’ll likely stay on IR for the rest of the 2026 season
- Unless he and the team reach an injury settlement (agree to part ways with a payment)
Simple Definition: Injured Reserve (IR) = a list for hurt players who can’t play for a long time. They don’t count against the 53-man roster limit, but they also can’t play until they’re activated (which usually doesn’t happen that season).
What’s Next? Preseason Opener!
The Patriots kick off the preseason Thursday at 7:30 p.m. ET vs. the Indianapolis Colts.
Things to Watch:
- Haskins in action — first look in a Patriots uniform
- Running back rotation — how carries are split among 6 backs
- Special teams — Haskins should get lots of reps here
- Rookie debut — TreVeyon Henderson’s first NFL game
Summary
| Move | Player | Role | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signed | Hassan Haskins | Veteran RB / Special Teamer | Adds experience, knows coaches, special teams ace |
| Waived (Injured) | Myles Montgomery | Rookie RB | Clears roster spot; likely heads to IR for 2026 |
| Upcoming | Preseason Game 1 | vs. Colts (Thu 7:30 ET) | First live look at new-look backfield |
The Patriots swapped a rookie with upside for a veteran who can play right now — especially on special teams. With the season approaching, reliability and coach familiarity won the day.
FAQ
1. What does "waived with an injury designation" mean?
It means the player is hurt, and the team is releasing him but flagging the injury. If no other team claims him, he goes to the original team’s Injured Reserve (IR) instead of becoming a free agent.
2. Why did the Patriots sign Haskins if they already have Stevenson and Henderson?
Depth and special teams. Stevenson and Henderson are the top two, but teams carry 3–4 RBs. Haskins gives them a proven special teams contributor who already knows the coaching staff.
3. What are "special teams snaps"?
Plays on kickoffs, punts, field goals, and returns. Not offense or defense. Haskins has 683 career special teams snaps — that’s a lot. It means he’s trusted to cover kicks and make tackles.
4. Can Montgomery play for another team this year?
Only if another team claims him off waivers before he hits IR. Since he’s injured, that’s unlikely. Most likely: he stays on Patriots IR all season.
5. When do the Patriots have to cut down to 53 players?
The final roster cutdown deadline is usually in late August (after the last preseason game). Right now, they have 90 players — they’ll trim to 53 before Week 1.