FOXBORO — Expect Terrell Jennings to get the first crack at replacing injured running back Antonio Gibson in the Patriots’ offense.
Jennings, who’s currently on the practice squad, said he is “definitely” ready to play if he’s elevated from the practice squad to play the Saints this week.
“I train every day. I’m sitting in the meeting rooms with all the guys every day, so it’s not really a difference,” Jennings said. “I’m ready when my number is called always.”
Jennings called it an “exciting” opportunity, despite his teammate and good friend’s season-ending knee injury.
The Florida A&M product played in three games last season, running the ball 13 times for 33 yards with one target in the passing game. He also played 18 snaps on special teams.
“I get to go out there and show the world how I can play, actually, and show them how I’m a great teammate, as well,” Jennings said. “So that’s definitely a great opportunity.”
Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson will remain the Patriots’ top running backs, but Gibson also saw plenty of opportunities on offense and as a kick returner as the team’s third option out of the backfield.
Gibson played 52 snaps before suffering a torn ACL, carrying the ball 25 times for 106 yards with a touchdown and adding two catches for 6 yards.
“Me and Antonio is actually really close,” Jennings said. “That’s my locker buddy, as well. He told me that just, ‘it’s your time, man. Just come on. It’s time to go.’ And I took that hard because that’s my brother. I’m with him every day, and to see him go down like that, it hurt me to the core. So, I would be wrong if I don’t go out there and do my job to uphold his standard.”
Mike Vrabel sees a player with “toughness” in Jennings. The Patriots head coach also said he’s seen Jennings improve in practice.
Jennings said he’s improved by doing the little things in practice, and he’s appreciative of the coaching staff for pushing those elements of the game.
“That helped me remember that, ‘oh, I got to take this step, or I got to just pay attention to the small things.’ And it’s eventually helped me to the point where I’m at now,” Jennings said.
The Patriots have been using their running backs as kick returners so far this season. Gibson was a star in Week 2 when he returned a kick 90 yards for a touchdown.
Jennings acknowledged Wednesday that he can help to return kicks and play in punt coverage and punt return, as well. He returned three kicks for 52 yards in college.
He was asked about his play style on offense, as well.
“Just downhill physicality, physical runs. That’s what I bring to the table,” Jennings said. “Pass pro as well. I just try to protect my teammates, protect the quarterback and protect the ball as well. So getting downhill, running through, breaking tackles, that’s what I like to bring.”
The Patriots signed running back Jashaun Corbin to the practice squad Tuesday, as well. Corbin is a smaller back who previously spent time with the Falcons, Panthers and Giants.
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