Jerod Mayo offers encouraging update on Patriots RB Antonio Gibson

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo indicated that Antonio Gibson will be back “relatively soon” from a non-football illness, when speaking to the media at training camp.

Gibson is expected to be a key component of the Patriots’ offensive backfield. He was signed by the team during free agency in March. He is coming off a 2023 season with Washington that saw him record 65 carries for 265 yards and a touchdown.

New England signed him to complement their No. 1 option, Rhamondre Stevenson.

Gibson returning is an important development for a couple of reasons. For one, New England does not have a ton of running back depth. If Stevenson goes down, Gibson will be heavily counted on.

Secondly, Gibson offers a guaranteed pass-catching element out of the backfield. This could be important for training camp in particular, with rookie Drake Maye trying to find his footing in the NFL.

It’s always tough to see an illness or an injury pop up this early in the training camp process. The good news is it looks like Gibson will be back sooner rather than later.