Patriots RB Jennings Hits IR: Depth Chart Shakeup Looms
Patriots Preseason Opener: Young Running Backs Get Their Chance Against the Colts
The Big Picture
The New England Patriots kicked off their preseason with a game against the Indianapolis Colts. Think of this like the first practice test before the real exams begin. The team used mostly backup players to see who might make the final roster.
Important: This was just Game 1 of 3 preseason games. Nothing is set in stone yet!
What Happened to Terrell Jennings?
The Short Version
- Who: Terrell Jennings, 25-year-old running back
- What happened: Suffered a concussion last December → missed the entire rest of last season
- Good news: He felt "really good" this summer and knew the playbook well
- Current status: Stepped aside (likely injured again or not playing this game), opening the door for others
Meet the Running Backs Competing for Spots
1. JaMycal Hasty — The Veteran Presence
- Age: 29
- Size: 5’8", 205 lbs
- Patriots history: Spent time with team in 2023, 2024, and training camp last year
- Last season (2024): Played 15 games
- 20 rushing attempts → 69 yards
- 10 catches → 59 yards + 1 touchdown
- Role: Experienced option who knows the system
2. Lan Larison — The College Star Coming Back from Injury
- Age: 24
- College: UC Davis (50 games played!)
- College stats: 641 carries → 3,634 yards → 41 touchdowns
- Setback: Signed as rookie free agent in spring 2025, but foot injury ended his summer
- Preseason game: 4 catches for 31 yards in first half
3. Jam Miller — The Rookie Draft Pick
- Age: Not listed (rookie)
- Size: 5’10", 209 lbs
- Draft: 7th round pick from Alabama
- College (4 years): 349 carries → 1,596 yards → 13 touchdowns
- Camp status: Working with third-team offense → likely practice squad candidate
- Preseason game: STARTED → 12 carries for 47 yards in first half
4. Hassan Haskins — The NFL Veteran
- Age: 26
- Size: 6’2", 228 lbs (biggest of the group)
- Experience: 3 NFL seasons, including 1 year with current Patriots coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee
- Career stats: 44 games → 79 carries → 229 yards → 2 touchdowns
- Bonus skill: Has kick return experience (28 returns, 21.8-yard average)
How the Game Started: Backup Lineup
Offense (Patriots had the ball first)
| Position | Player | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| QB | Tommy DeVito | Got the start |
| RB | Jam Miller | Started the game |
| WR | Kayshon Boutte & Mack Hollins | Starting receivers |
| TE | Tanner Arkin & Eli Raridon | Both rookies starting |
| OL (L→R) | Marcus Bryant, Andrew Rupcich, Ben Brown, James Hudson III, Caleb Lomu | Lomu = 1st round draft pick |
Defense (Patriots trying to stop Colts)
| Position | Players | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Edge Rushers | Gabe Jacas (2nd round pick) & Quintayvious Hutchins | |
| Defensive Tackles | Joshua Farmer & Eric Gregory | |
| Inside Linebackers | Chad Muma & K.J. Britt | |
| Cornerbacks | Kindle Vildor (had interception!) & Karon Prunty | |
| Safeties (3!) | Dell Pettus, Mike Brown, John Saunders Jr. | "Three-safety set" |
Special Teams: The Kick Return Puzzle
The Patriots have been searching all spring/summer for a reliable kick returner (catches the ball after opponent kicks off). Jennings was one candidate, but now he’s out.
Current Candidates:
- Wide Receivers: Efton Chism III, Kyle Williams
- Running Backs: Lan Larison, Channing Canada (started game as return duo)
- Hassan Haskins: Has actual NFL return experience (21.8-yard average)
Notable Absences: Stars Who Didn’t Play
These key players were not on the field in uniform before the game (normal for preseason openers):
- Christian Gonzalez — Cornerback
- Harold Landry — Edge rusher
- Charles Woods — Cornerback
- Brenden Schooler — Special teams ace / Safety
- Julian Ashby — Long snapper
- Christian Elliss — Linebacker
- Kyle Dixon — Wide receiver
- Christian Barmore — Defensive tackle
Why? Veterans often sit out early preseason games to avoid injury risk.
What’s Next for the Patriots?
Practice Schedule:
- Saturday → Practice #1 (closed to public)
- Sunday → Practice #2 (closed)
- Monday → Practice #3 (closed)
- Tuesday → Practice #4 (closed)
- Wednesday → OPEN TO PUBLIC + Joint Practice #1 with Philadelphia Eagles
- Thursday → Joint Practice #2 with Eagles
Next Game:
- Preseason Game #2 → After the Eagles joint practices
Summary
- Jennings is out → Opportunity for younger backs
- Miller started & led rushing (12 carries, 47 yards)
- Larison showed receiving chops (4 catches, 31 yards)
- Haskins brings size & return experience
- Hasty is the experienced veteran in the room
- Starters rested → Normal for first preseason game
- Big week ahead → 4 closed practices + 2 joint practices with Eagles
FAQ
Why do teams play preseason games if they don’t count?
Think of them like scrimmages. Coaches need to evaluate players in real game situations — speed, contact, decision-making — that you can’t fully replicate in practice. It’s also how players on the roster bubble prove they belong.
What is the "practice squad"?
It’s like a reserve team (up to 16 players). They practice with the team but don’t play in games unless promoted. Miller working with the third team suggests the Patriots want to develop him there.
Why did so many starters not play?
Risk management. Starters like Christian Gonzalez or Christian Barmore have proven themselves. Playing them in a meaningless game risks injury for zero reward. Backups need the reps more.
What are "joint practices"?
Two teams practice together for 2 days. It’s more intense than normal practice (going against different schemes/players) but controlled — no tackling to the ground, limited contact. Great for evaluation.
Who is Caleb Lomu and why does "1st round pick" matter?
Lomu was the Patriots’ first selection in the 2026 NFL Draft (highest draft capital = highest expectations). Starting at right tackle in the opener shows the coaching staff trusts him immediately.
Article based on reporting by Christopher Price, Boston Globe
Follow him: christopherprice.bsky.social