The New England Patriots will be without two of their top weapons as training camp begins this week.
As practices begin for the New England Patriots on July 24, the team will be without two notable names on offense for the start of training camp — wide receiver Kendrick Bourne and running back Antonio Gibson. Unsurprisingly, Bourne was placed on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list after suffering a torn ACL last October against the Miami Dolphins, while Gibson will start on the NFI (non-football injury/illness) list. While it is unclear what New England’s backup running back is dealing with at the moment, it is expected that he will come off the NFI list relatively soon. Bourne’s status, however, is still up in the air as September approaches.
In terms of fantasy impact, Bourne’s issue is much more likely to impact his outlook in 2024 than Gibson’s. Although there is a world where Bourne returns to full health and maintains — or even surpasses — his high level of play from 2023, the serious nature of his injury means that question marks still remain. Gibson, on the other hand, has seemingly solidified himself as the backup to Rhamondre Stevenson and figures to feature primarily as a third-down back in the receiving game once he returns to practice. Elsewhere on the Patriots roster, expect to see increased opportunities for wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk, K.J. Osborn, DeMario Douglas, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Javon Baker, while Kevin Harris should see an uptick in running back reps during Gibson’s absence.
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson (toe) was ...
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson rushed for...
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Antonio Gibson is falling in drafts while Rhamondre Stevenson’s ADP remains steady in the 7th round.
New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson has fallen 6.6 spots in ADP on UnderDog since July 9th. Antonio Gibson has fallen into the 15th round of drafts. The dip can be attributed to the fact that fantasy gamers are warming up to the idea that Rhamondre Stevenson is the preferred Patriots running back to draft in 2024.
This offseason, Rhamondre Stevenson signed a 4-year deal worth $36 million which is a victory for running backs drafted on day 3 of the NFL Draft. NFL teams often tell the truth via the moves they make versus quotes given publicly. With the financial commitment, the Patriots are hoping Rhamondre Stevenson returns to his 2022 form where he played 17 games and had a very nice 69 receptions for 421 yards and rushed for 1,040 yards.
Rhamondre Stevenson is an excellent selection in the 7th round of UnderDog drafts. Through 6 rounds, drafters can pile up a wide receiver heavy team while mixing in an elite quarterback and tight end to their rosters before committing to the running back position. With the base of a team already created, Rhamondre Stevenson stands out as a perfect first running back to draft in round 7 after building a super team prior.
The New England Patriots will be reportedly signing running back Antonio Gibson.
Former Commanders’ running back Antonio Gibson will be heading North and signing with the Patriots. Gibson has shown flashes over the last three years in Washington but never seemed to get consistent touches. The log jam that the Commanders have at running back made Gibson expendable.
Over the last four years, Gibson has rushed for 2,643 yards and 22 touchdowns, with only one season seeing him past the century mark on the ground. What makes Gibson dangerous is his skills in the receiving game. In those four years, Gibson averaged 53 targets, 43 receptions, and totaled 1,283 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
The veteran’s arrival may slightly damper Rhamondre Stevenson’s workload. Stevenson should remain the lead back in this tandem, especially near the goal line, but I can see Gibson making a splash in the receiving game. The Patriots lack playmakers on offense and if new offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt schemes up a game plan to utilize Gibson’s Swiss army skillset look out. Try to kick the tires to see if you can acquire Gibson for a third or fourth in dynasty leagues if you can.
