Despite what seems like a record number of injuries suffered across the league this season, the Patriots have been fortunate not to face the same fate as other teams are entering Week 6. It has certainly played a significant role in keeping their team afloat, as many others have already fallen to the bottom of the league, but that ended on Sunday night with Antonio Gibson's injury.
The running back has become a dual threat for the team since he signed a contract last offseason, with some of his best production coming on special teams.
That's what he was doing in Sunday's game when a low hit by a Bills defender knocked the ball loose on a return and immediately made it clear that Gibson was not okay. He was ruled out of the game as soon as the Patriots made the announcement, and now they know he tore his ACL and will miss the rest of the 2025 season.
#Patriots RB Antonio Gibson, who was quickly ruled out on Sunday night, tore his ACL and is out for the season, sources say after the MRI. A hit to RB depth. pic.twitter.com/AC6Rle0JeA
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 6, 2025
This will inevitably put Mike Vrabel and Co. in a tricky situation with just Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson left in the backfield.
Antonio Gibson's season-ending injury puts a lot of pressure on the Patriots to replace his production
After Gibson went down with an injury, and Stevenson lost another football, the Patriots appeared to actively make the decision to move away from the run game in the second half. Whether that was a result of Stevenson's ball security issues, a lack of trust in Henderson (which has become a recent rumor), or simply their game plan is unclear. However, what is apparent is the hole Gibson leaves within the offense.
This will presumably put them in the market for another veteran running back, and unfortunately, there aren't many options that seem all that intriguing.
The top names that remain unsigned after Week 5 are Gus Edwards, who spent last season with the Chargers, Zack Moss, who last spent time with the Bengals, and Jamaal Williams, who spent the last two seasons with the Saints.
All are seasoned veterans who could likely step into the Patriots' offense immediately and give them some security in the backfield, but none are necessarily the type of game-changer that they might want to bring in with Gibson out and Stevenson becoming more of a liability.
They can also turn to their practice squad, as Terrell Jennings is the lone running back signed, or maybe try to look into a potential trade. Mike Vrabel didn't shut down the idea, but their options will be limited, too.
Regardless, they'll have to bring someone in because losing Gibson is a significant blow to the team in multiple ways.