Patriots Plan: With RB James Robinson Out, Who's In?

The New England Patriots may look to a ‘prove-it’ veteran, along with pair of second-year rushers to provide support for lead running back Rhamondre Stevenson in 2023.

FOXBORO — As the New England Patriots conduct their three-day mandatory minicamp on the practice fields of Gillette Stadium this week, running back James Robinson will not be joining them.

In a surprising move, the Patriots waived the fourth-year back on Monday afternoon after less-than three months with the team. Robinson, who had signed a two-year, $8 million in March, was expected to compete for the second spot on the positional depth chart vacated by former Pats — and current Buffalo Bills — running back Damien Harris. 

Though Robinson struggled to assimilate into New England’s system during their offseason program, a recent report from The Athletic indicates that Robinson’s injury situation played a major role in the Pats’ decision. 

A little more context on the Patriots’ release of James Robinson: Injuries were the issue, and the veteran RB couldn’t stay on the field, per source.

— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) June 13, 2023

As such, the Pats are once again searching for a suitor to help lessen the workload of feature back Rhamondre Stevenson. The former Oklahoma Sooner emerged as New England’s feature back. The second-year runner amassed 1,040 yards with five touchdowns, while averaging five yards per carry in the lead role. He also caught 69 passes for 421 yards and one touchdown as a backfield receiver. 

With Robinson removed from the Foxboro fold, here is a look at the four remaining contenders for the second spot — a.k.a. ‘next man up’ — on the Pats running back depth chart.

Ty Montgomery

Following a strong performance during 2022 training camp, Montgomery was expected to play a prominent role in the Pats offense, as well as special teams in his first year with the club. However, the Stamford product suffered a knee injury in the Pats preseason finale, which [along with a lingering shoulder injury] would ultimately end his season after taking only 21 snaps in the team’s season opener against the Miami Dolphins. Still, the Patriots have high hopes for him as a solid reserve contributor on offense in 2023. During his usage during OTAs, he appeared to be settling into an offensive option on third-down, as well as a backfield receiver. He was also the logical choice as their third Z-receiver option [off the line of scrimmage] on select packages. At present, Montgomery appears to be the most-likely candidate to fill the position. 

Pierre Strong, Jr. 

Strong has the potential to be a significant contributor in their backfield. He is the type of runner who can move with ease between-the-tackles, while demonstrating great patience in finding his seam. Once he does so, he has an above average burst through the hole and the speed necessary to break away. Strong suited up for 15 games, carrying the ball 10 times for 100 yards and one touchdown in 2022. Due to his vertical speed and quick break form the backfield, Strong is the probable choice to take on a reserve role on early downs. 

Kevin Harris

Despite spending the first five weeks of the season on the practice squad, Harris saw action in five regular-season games. The South Carolina product compiled 52 yards on 18 carries and one touchdown in his rookie campaign in 2022. Measuring in at 5-10, 221 pounds, Harris is the type of straightforward power runner that can provide some short-yardage production. The Pats rookie is a reliable back with the talent to quickly develop into a solid rotational option in the Patriots backfield.

J.J. Taylor

Since joining the Pats in 2020 as an undrafted rookie out of Arizona, Taylor has appeared in 12 career games for New England 156 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 52 carries. Taylor was a quite effective between-the-tackles runner for the Patriots, and also contributed as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Taylor is also capable of making things happen on early downs. When he is at his best, the former Arizona Wildcat has the shiftiness and the skill set to be a solid ‘change-of-pace’ back.

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