Patriots Lose Running Back For At Least Four Weeks To Concussion

The New England Patriots are 11-2, despite dealing with some key injuries. They are now placing running back Terrell Jennings on injured reserve, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.

Jennings entered concussion protocol after the Patriots’ Week 13 win over the New York Giants. However, even with the Week 14 bye, he was unable to get cleared to play. The Patriots initially ruled him out on Friday.

Rapoport noted that Jennings should be back for the playoffs after missing four games. Jennings has just 23 carries this season for 73 yards. He has scored a touchdown as well. In the passing game, he has one catch for nine yards.

Jennings is in his second year, but has been stuck behind TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson on the depth chart. He saw more work when Stevenson was hurt, but has since gone back to being the third running back.

He has played 51 special teams snaps, so perhaps that’s where the Patriots will be losing the biggest impact. According to Rapoport, the Patriots plan to sign D’Ernest Johnson to the active roster this week.

Johnson has 996 rushing yards in his career. He has played for four teams in seven years and has played in three games for the Patriots this season. He has just seven yards, but he provides an experienced replacement for Jennings.

The Patriots will play the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, in a game that could go a long way in deciding the AFC East champion. The Patriots have a two-game lead on the Bills and are undefeated in the division, while the Bills have two losses within the division.