Patriots RB position breakdown: who steps up in 2026?

Patriots RB position breakdown matters more than ever as New England looks to reboot its ground game in 2026. This analytical look asks which backs can deliver consistent production and help stabilize the offense. Rhamondre Stevenson carries the obvious workload, but TreVeyon Henderson’s explosiveness forces questions about touches. Meanwhile, Jam Miller and Myles Montgomery present complementary skill sets that could win snaps.

Add Lan Larison’s return from injury and Reggie Gilliam’s pass catching, and competition tightens. Because the Patriots improved their offensive line, running lanes should open more often. Therefore, this breakdown will focus on efficiency metrics, snap projections, and roster odds. Fans will get a clear sense of who is poised to step up and why.

We will weigh yards per carry, expected yards above expected, and pass game value. Also, we will consider special teams roles and kick return upside for depth backs. Expect roster battles to decide the third-down back and practice squad hopefuls.

Patriots RB position breakdown — key candidates and what the numbers say

This Patriots RB position breakdown focuses on five backs who can shape New England’s ground attack in 2026. Because the Patriots upgraded their offensive line, running lanes should open more often. Therefore, efficiency and role versatility matter more than raw volume. Below we profile each candidate with short summaries, stats, and likely impact.

Rhamondre Stevenson

• 2025 snapshot: 130 carries for 345 yards, 4.6 yards per carry, and 7 rushing touchdowns.
• Efficiency note: Stevenson ranked second in the league in Expected Yards Above Expected. Only Josh Allen ranked higher.
• Ball security: He fumbled twice last year, so turnover risk exists.
• Role projection: Expect Stevenson to carry the early-down and short-yardage load. Because he showed high efficiency, he should remain the workhorse.
• Impact takeaway: His blend of power and expected-yards production makes him the baseline for the room.

TreVeyon Henderson

• 2025 snapshot: 190 carries, 911 rushing yards, 5.1 yards per carry, and 9 rushing touchdowns.
• Pass game: 35 receptions on 42 targets for 221 yards and 1 touchdown.
• Big play caveat: He recorded four 50-plus yard runs. Removing those plays reduces his season totals to roughly 700 yards and a 3.76 YPC baseline.
• Durability and experience: Henderson played 38 games in two years due to Ohio State’s playoff runs. As quoted, “That is 38 games in two years.”
• Role projection: He projects as the explosive change-of-pace back and third-down receiving option. However, his true long-term ceiling depends on consistent efficiency.

Lan Larison

• 2025 snapshot: Preseason showed promise with 7 carries for 35 yards and a touchdown before injury.
• Injury status: Larison broke his foot in that preseason game and landed on IR for the year.
• Roster expectations: One scout said, “I expect Larison to make the 53-man roster as the #3 RB and contribute as a Kickoff Return man.”
• Role projection: If healthy, Larison profiles as the third-down and special teams threat. He could battle Montgomery for that depth spot.

Jam Miller

• 2025 snapshot: 130 carries for 504 yards, a 3.9 yards per carry average, and 3 rushing touchdowns.
• Traits: Miller ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at his Pro Day, which shows downfield speed.
• Role projection: He offers a complementary one-cut runner profile. Miller may win snaps in rotational packages and early downs.
• Impact takeaway: Expect him to push for consistent workload in blowout or rotational scenarios.

Myles Montgomery

• 2025 snapshot: 705 rushing yards with 4 rushing touchdowns and a 4.9 yards per carry average.
• Skill set: Montgomery displayed burst and pass-protection improvements since college.
• Roster outlook: Analysts noted, “I can see Montgomery battling Larison for that 3rd RB spot and would like to see his speed on Kickoff Returns.”
• Role projection: He profiles as a speedier depth option with special teams upside. If he wins the third-back job, expect rotational snaps and return duties.

Synthesis and roster implications

• Depth note: Brock Lampe’s season-ending foot injury likely removes him from day-one depth. As a result, competition for the third RB spot intensifies.
• Decision factors: Coaches will weigh efficiency metrics, pass game value, and special teams ability.
• Fan takeaway: Stevenson should anchor the room. However, Henderson, Larison, Miller, and Montgomery all present realistic paths to meaningful snaps. Therefore, the Patriots RB room will remain competitive and merit close watching through training camp.

*Larison YPC based on small preseason sample

Depth challenges and team strategies

The Patriots RB position breakdown exposes depth risks and clear strategies for 2026. Because injuries and roster churn removed trusted depth, the team must prioritize versatility. Brock Lampe’s season-ending foot injury removes an immediate option, and as a result competition for the third running back spot intensifies.

Meanwhile Jack Westover’s struggles at fullback created another hole. Therefore the Patriots turned to Khyris Tonga and adjusted short-yardage plans. Coaches will weigh who can handle early-down reps, third-down receiving, and blocking assignments.

Improving the offensive line matters most for run-game success. With better line play, yards per carry should rise. Also New England can hide weaknesses by using rotation schemes and play-action. Because Rhamondre Stevenson showed high expected-yards production, he benefits first from improved blocking.

Special teams roles will decide several roster spots. Lan Larison projects as a kickoff return candidate if healthy. Myles Montgomery also offers return speed and depth. As one scout noted, “I can see Montgomery battling Larison for that 3rd RB spot and would like to see his speed on Kickoff Returns.”

The coaching staff must balance efficiency metrics with roster constraints. Therefore pass-game value, ball security, and special teams chops matter during camp. If a player misses those marks, “If not, a spot on the Practice Squad is more likely.”

Fan takeaway: the room still centers on Stevenson and Henderson. However coaches will value multi-role players for the 53-man roster. As a result training camp battles will shape New England’s RB depth and the team’s running-game outlook.

CONCLUSION

The Patriots running back room will determine New England’s ground identity in 2026. Rhamondre Stevenson should anchor early downs, and TreVeyon Henderson supplies explosive upside. Because Stevenson posted strong Expected Yards Above Expected, he remains the efficiency baseline. However, injuries and depth questions mean multiple backs can affect game outcomes.

Lan Larison’s health and Myles Montgomery’s speed shape the third-back race. Jam Miller and other depth pieces offer rotational options and return upside. Therefore, special teams value and pass-game skills will influence who makes the 53-man roster. Coaches will favor multi-role players during training camp.

The offensive line upgrade matters more than any single back. With better blocking, yards per carry should rise and the offense will gain more balance. As a result, even modest workload shifts can change production.

This analysis comes from Patriots Report LLC. For more coverage visit Patriots Report LLC and follow on Twitter @ZachGatsby. Fans should watch training camp snaps and preseason metrics. Ultimately, the Patriots RB position breakdown shows a clear starter and an open competition for supporting roles.

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