One of the biggest problems for the Patriots this season has been their tendency to turn the ball over in key moments. The hope was that after a turnover-free game against the Panthers last week, that pattern was behind them, only to fumble three times in the first half, losing two.
Rhamondre Stevenson was the culprit again, reviving an issue from his past once again in this game, followed by another running back when Antonio Gibson fumbled not long after.
As if that wasn't bad enough, it looks like Gibson suffered a significant knee injury on the play, and the Patriots ruled him out immediately after he was helped off the field by trainers. It's terrible timing for the offense with a sketchy backfield as it is, and now they could be looking ahead to just two running backs on the roster.
#Patriots RB Antonio Gibson was crying as he was helped from the medical tent to the locker room. Gibson's right knee took a big hit on a kickoff. pic.twitter.com/OZhY6U6Bfy
— New England Sports Fellow (@NESportsFellow) October 6, 2025
Other than losing Gibson presumably forcing Josh McDaniels to utilize TreVeyon Henderson more, it could also put them in the market for a veteran free agent. But that might be difficult to do, considering the multiple hates that the veteran wears for the team.
The Patriots are put in a tough spot after Antonio Gibson suffers a severe injury
Since he was signed last offseason, Gibson has served as a backup running back and a returner for special teams. Although that role is rotated between a few players, he has become the main go-to for the third unit, and now they won't have him for the foreseeable future.
That doesn't put the special teams in a good spot, but it also impacts the running back room perhaps a bit more. Stevenson's fumbling issue doesn't appear to be going away any time soon, and Gibson was given the snaps in his absence after his fumble in the first half.
It appears they are not entirely comfortable with giving the green light to rookie Henderson, especially since he hasn't thrived as a pass protector the way he did in college. But it's odd to see him not utilized more when the running backs ahead of him are having issues with ball security.
It could change now that Gibson is out of the lineup due to injury, and it's far more risky to give the ball to Stevenson for the majority of running back plays than Henderson. They'll have to figure something out soon, though, because the Bills have already figured out their change of plans, and that won't be good for the rest of the game or however long Gibson is sidelined for.