The New England Patriots are coming out of their Week 14 bye sitting atop the AFC standings – a surprising spot for a team still trying to find its rhythm in the run game. Despite their success in the win column, the Patriots have struggled to generate consistent production on the ground, entering the week ranked 21st in the league with just 112.9 rushing yards per game. And while the backfield has primarily featured Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson, the team has been shifting more work toward Henderson in recent weeks.

That shift has also highlighted the need for depth behind the top two backs. The Patriots addressed that on November 28 by signing veteran Craig Reynolds to the practice squad. Now, with Terrell Jennings absent from Monday’s practice, Reynolds could be in line for a quicker-than-expected promotion.

Jennings is working his way back from a concussion suffered during New England’s Week 13 win over the Giants. His absence from the first post-bye practice doesn’t necessarily mean he’s out for this weekend’s matchup against the Bills, but it does raise questions about his availability – and opens the door for Reynolds to potentially see game action.

Reynolds, 29, was recently let go by the Detroit Lions after five seasons with the team. While he was never a featured back in Detroit, stuck behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, he carved out a role as a reliable depth option.

Over his career, Reynolds has logged 153 carries for 654 yards and a touchdown, along with contributions on special teams. Detroit waived him to make room for players returning from injured reserve, and the Patriots moved quickly to bring him in.

Now, Reynolds could find himself back on the field sooner than expected. If Jennings isn’t cleared in time, New England may have to tap into Reynolds’ experience to help stabilize a backfield that’s still finding its identity.

Jennings, meanwhile, has been used sparingly since entering the league. After a quiet rookie season with just 13 carries for 33 yards, he showed signs of progress this year with 23 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown before his injury. He earned praise from head coach Mike Vrabel after stepping in for Stevenson in a November 2 win over the Falcons, carrying the ball 11 times for 35 yards and a score.

“He’s run hard and been ready for his opportunity,” Vrabel said at the time. “I thought he spelled TreVeyon well.

They were able to keep some snaps off TreVeyon, and when we needed him, Terrell stepped up. He’s tasted it now and doesn’t want to give it up.”

Since then, Jennings has seen just five carries over three games. Still, his absence could be a key factor heading into this weekend, especially in a pivotal AFC East showdown. If Jennings can’t go, Reynolds may get his shot – and the Patriots will get another look at how their reshuffled backfield can hold up in the stretch run.