BREAKING: PATRIOTS ELEVATE TERRELL JENNINGS AFTER ANTONIO GIBSON ACL TEAR — “IT’S YOUR TIME, BROTHER.”
In the wake of the torn ACL suffered by running back Antonio Gibson last Sunday in the Patriots‘ win over Buffalo, speculation turned to which running backs New England could realistically target to fill out a RB room that is now thin. And maybe it will come to that. But first, the Patriots are going to see what they have in practice-squadder Terrell Jennings, who has been with the team as a fringe roster guy for two seasons.
Jennings came out of Florida A&M in 2022, and when he was a senior, he was second on the team in rushing yards, with 308 in 10 games. That does not make for a typical background when it comes to NFL running backs. He appeared in three games for the Patriots last season, playing 38 offensive snaps and 18 special teams snaps.
Jennings had 13 carries for 33 yards in 2024. Now, he will get his first crack at the roster here in 2025, as the team announced it pulled the expected move and put Jennings onto the active roster in place of Gibson.
Terrell Jennings Got a Message From Antonio Gibson
While Jennings conceded he is excited for the chance to play, he said the injury to Gibson was a tough one for him to swallow. He has been close to the veteran in their two years playing together.
And Gibson had a message for him before Sunday’s Week 6 showing in New Orleans.
“Me and Antonio are close. That’s my locker buddy,” Jennings said. “He told me, it’s your time, let’s go. I took that hard because that’s my brother, I am with him every day. To see him go down like that, it hurt me to the core. I would be wrong if I did not go out there and do my job to uphold his standard. …”
“His pain is gonna be more because I still feel his pain now. You never want to be hurt on the field, going down. Although I am excited to play, I still feel for my brother at the end of the day. I play the game with him every day, I talk with him, he is my locker buddy. We hang out outside of the building, too. We have plenty of conversations.”
Patriots See Improvement in Terrell Jennings
The fact that Jennings is still with the Patriots probably speaks to his toughness and professionalism. He learned a bit about motivation from his time with FAMU, which ended with the Black Colleges Championship in 2023.
Jennings pointed out that there are no state-of-the-art facilities, nor TV exposure, for the Rattlers.
“FAMU taught me to be tough,” he said. “No matter what you are going through outside of football, when you’re in football, it’s always another day to get better at everything you do. At FAMU, it started with rough years when I first got there and ended with a championship. So, it motivated me to be the player I am today.”
Coach Mike Vrabel has taken a shine to him, and Jennings managed to survive the roster overhaul that came with the new coaching staff. Said Vrabel: “I think he’s a great teammate. I think he cares about the team. He’s able to play on special teams. He’s able to play on a fourth down. He’s got a toughness to him. I think he’s improved.”
Nik Bonitto’s Impressive Start to 2025 Season Puts Him on Path to Broncos Legend Status
Nik Bonitto is off to an outstanding start in the 2025 season, quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest stars on the Denver Broncos’ roster. After five weeks of play, the Pro Bowler has already recorded seven impressive tackles, placing him in the conversation among the all-time greats in Broncos history.
Bonitto, known for his explosive speed and game-changing impact, has consistently been a force on the field, contributing to the Broncos' defense in ways that have fans and analysts alike comparing him to some of the franchise's legendary players. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and make key plays at crucial moments has not gone unnoticed.
“I’m just focused on doing my job, but I’m definitely honored by the comparisons to some of the legends that have played here,” Bonitto said after his standout performance. “The Broncos have a rich history of great players, and to be mentioned in the same breath as those guys is humbling. But we’re just getting started — the goal is to keep improving and help this team win.”
The seven tackles Bonitto has accumulated in the first five weeks are a testament to his work ethic and dedication to his craft. His ability to read plays, quickly react, and make stops has been a major factor in the Broncos' defensive success this season.
Head coach Sean Payton also praised Bonitto’s performance, stating, “Nik is playing at an elite level right now. He’s doing everything we’ve asked of him and more. His consistency, leadership, and drive are what make him stand out, and if he continues on this path, he’ll definitely be remembered as one of the greats in Broncos history.”
As the season progresses, Bonitto’s impressive start only fuels the excitement surrounding his future. With his determination and talent, it’s clear that the young linebacker is on the road to solidifying his legacy in Denver, with the potential to be a key piece in the Broncos' success for years to come.
