Patriots Reportedly Make Notable Running Back Addition

The New England Patriots reportedly added some notable depth at the running back position on Friday.

Craig Reynolds, who spent the last five seasons with the Detroit Lions, signed with the club’s practice squad, according to Aaron Wilson of KPCR2. Reynolds’ addition was reflected in the locker room at Gillette Stadium, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.

Reynolds, 29, primarily served as a special teams ace and change-of-pace running back in Detroit, though his role diminished this season and was ultimately punctuated by three healthy scratches prior to being released on Wednesday. The Lions made the decision after activating defensive lineman Marcus Davenport and offensive lineman Miles Frazier.

The Patriots have been looking for running back depth for nearly two months, relying on D’Ernest Johnson and Terrell Jennings at different points following a season-ending knee injury to Antonio Gibson. TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson will continue to be the primary options, though Reynolds could mix in as the third option while also providing a spark on special teams early in his tenure on the practice squad — potentially starting as early as Monday against the New York Giants.

Reynolds has totaled 916 yards on 179 touches during stints with the Washington Commanders, Jacksonville Jaguars and Lions.