Jerod Mayo Addresses Patriots Newcomer’s Mysterious Absence

The Patriots made a surprising roster move one day before the start of 2024 training camp.

Kendrick Bourne and Cole Strange starting the summer on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list was fully anticipated, as both players are coming off serious injuries that ended their 2023 season. But in an unexpected move, Antonio Gibson was placed on the non-football injury/illness list ahead of his first training camp in New England.

It's unclear what exactly prevented Gibson from being on the practice fields to open camp. But as head coach Jerod Mayo revealed Wednesday morning, the Patriots aren't dealing with a serious issue regarding Rhamondre Stevenson's new running mate.

"Nah, no concern at all," Mayo told reporters, per a team-provided video. "I mean, he's on the active roster still. When he's ready to go, he’ll be here."

Mayo also added he anticipates Gibson making his camp debut "relatively soon."

In the meantime, the Patriots will work with their other running backs who are vying for a spot on the initial 53-man roster. Outside of Stevenson and Gibson, New England carries Deshaun Fenwick, Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty and Terrell Jennings on its depth chart.