The New England Patriots’ backfield took a hit during the team’s signature 23-20 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.
Running back Antonio Gibson suffered a season-ending torn ACL during the win, an MRI confirmed on Monday, a person close to the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter.
The injury occurred during the second quarter when Gibson was hit hard on a kickoff return. He immediately grabbed his right knee and was in visible pain on the field.
The Patriots quickly ruled Gibson out for the remainder of the contest.
Gibson’s season-ending knee injury is a blow to New England’s special teams unit and offensive backfield.
Gibson was the team’s top return man. His 28.5 yards kick return averaged ranked in the top 10 in the league. He had a 90-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in Week 2. It’s the longest kickoff return in the NFL this season.
On offense, Gibson was New England’s No. 3 option at running back behind Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson. Gibson tallied 25 carries for 106 yards and a touchdown this year.
The sixth-year running back spent the first four years of his career in Washington. He signed with the Patriots in 2024.
Gibson has 787 carries, 3,287 rushing yards and 24 rushing TDs in 83 career games. He’s averaged 25.1 yards per kick return during his career.
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