The New England Patriots running back room was arguably the weakest in the NFL, and it took another blow when veteran Rhamondre Stevenson missed Wednesday’s practice with a toe injury. As of this posting, we do not know if Stevenson will suit up against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9, but this injury adds another layer of uncertainty to an already weak backfield.

Stevenson has been the team’s lead running back throughout the season, recording 279 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 83 attempts. However, he’s struggled to hold on to the ball and isn’t much of a deep play threat. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson, meanwhile, hasn’t looked up to the task as he’s struggled to read blocks, break tackles, and make plays in space. He also has some ball security issues, as he fumbled in Week 8 despite never fumbling in his collegiate career.

4 Patriots Running Back Trade Targets After Rhamondre Stevenson Injury

Fortunately, the trade deadline is less than a week away, so the Patriots have plenty of time to add another running back. At 6-2, New England should have Super Bowl aspirations and should look to improve their backfield even if Stevenson’s toe injury isn’t a big deal.

Tony Pollard, Titans

The Tennessee Titans are embracing the tank, and veteran running back Tony Pollard could be the next victim of the team’s fire sale. Originally selected in the fourth round by the Dallas Cowboys, Pollard spent the past two seasons as the leader of Tennessee’s backfield. While he hasn’t made anyone forget about Derrick Henry, the Memphis product has done a solid job in the starting role.

However, it could be time for a changing of the guard. Pollard is playing in his age-28 season, and there’s no reason for a rebuilding organization like the Titans to keep him around. The Patriots need a veteran running back, while Tennessee should use the remainder of the 2025 season to see what Tyjae Spears can do with a full workload.

Chuba Hubbard, Panthers

The Carolina Panthers signed Chuba Hubbard to a four-year, $33.2 million contract last year to be their running back of the future. That plan only lasted half a season, as Hubbard suffered an injury early in the season. In his absence, veteran Rico Dowdle took over starting duties and looked like the vastly superior back. This could make Hubbard expendable, and he’d probably be the best running back on the Patriots roster.

The biggest issue here is the money. Hubbard carries a $7.5 million cap hit next year, which is a lot to spend for an unremarkable running back. If a deal is going to get done, the Panthers will likely need to eat a portion of Hubbard’s contract.

Jerome Ford, Browns

The Cleveland Browns are going nowhere, fast, which means they have every reason to try to trade Jerome Ford. The former fifth-round pick is a perfectly adequate starter who can thrive in a committee, but he’s in the final year of his contract and probably doesn’t have a future with this team. Second-round pick Quinshon Judkins already looks like one of the league’s better backs, and fourth-round pick Dylan Sampson has shown promise with limited opportunities.

Ford is a jack of all trades, master of none, who should do well on the Patriots wide-open running back depth chart. New England already has a great offense, so they don’t need a superstar to lead their rushing attack. They just need someone who can hold onto the ball and find open space.

Breece Hall, Jets

This is the prize jewel of the Patriots running back targets. Breece Hall is easily the best option on the trade market, and New England should try to pursue the division rival. While he carries a bit of an injury risk, he’s one of the most dangerous all-around backs when on the field. Last week, the former second-round pick finished the game with 107 rushing yards on 19 carries to go along with two receptions for 38 yards.

The Jets might not want to trade Breece Hall, but they may not have a choice. The veteran is entering the final year of his contract, and the 1-7 Jets stand no shot of making the playoffs in 2025. If the Patriots offer a decent pick for his services, New York should accept the deal.