Patriots Add Depth Ahead of Browns Matchup
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Less than a day before their Week 8 showdown with the Cleveland Browns at Gillette Stadium, the New England Patriots have made a pair of roster moves to bolster depth at running back and safety.
The team announced that running back Terrell Jennings and safety Richie Grant have been elevated from the practice squad to the active roster. This will be Jennings’ third promotion of the season, while Grant is set to make his first appearance in a Patriots uniform.
Terrell Jennings Set to Fill RB3 Role
With Antonio Gibson unavailable, Jennings has become New England’s go-to option to round out the running back rotation. Having previously worked in Josh McDaniels’ offensive system, the 24-year-old back is well-acquainted with the playbook and ready to contribute when called upon.
Jennings saw limited action in the Patriots’ Week 6 win over the Saints, appearing only on special teams, but he logged nine offensive snaps and five carries for 18 yards last week.
Originally signed as an undrafted free agent out of Florida A&M in 2024, Jennings joined the Patriots’ active roster late last season. Standing 6’0” and 217 pounds, he appeared in three games as a rookie, recording 13 carries for 33 yards. During this year’s training camp and preseason, he frequently worked with the second-team offense and totaled six carries for 19 yards and a touchdown.
Given his familiarity with New England’s ground-heavy offensive approach and experience on special teams (15 snaps this season), Jennings is a natural choice to step into Gibson’s spot.
Richie Grant Provides Depth at Safety
Recently signed on Oct. 15, Grant’s promotion could signal that he’s being prepared to step in for Kyle Dugger, who is questionable for Sunday’s game due to a knee injury. Dugger missed the team’s final practice of the week and is the only Patriot listed on the injury report.
Grant brings significant NFL experience, having spent four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, who drafted him 40th overall in 2021 out of UCF. After a reserve rookie year, he became a full-time starter in 2022, posting 123 tackles, two interceptions, and a forced fumble. In 2023, he continued as a key defensive contributor, starting 15 games and adding 103 tackles, three sacks, and two forced fumbles.
The 6’0”, 200-pound veteran was with the 49ers earlier this year before being released prior to the regular season. Across his 67 career games (33 starts), Grant has amassed 264 tackles, three sacks, three interceptions, 17 passes defensed, and 11 special teams tackles.
His versatility and experience make him a reliable insurance option for Dugger and a valuable addition to the Patriots’ defensive depth chart heading into Week 8.
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