As the Patriots prepare for Sunday’s AFC Championship clash with the Denver Broncos, they’ll be doing so without two key depth pieces: running back Terrell Jennings and rookie defensive tackle Joshua Farmer. Both players were eligible to return from injured reserve and had been full participants in practice this week, but neither will be activated in time for kickoff.
Let’s start with Jennings. The second-year back had cleared concussion protocol and looked ready to go based on his week of full practices.
But despite being physically cleared, the Patriots opted to keep him sidelined. Jennings played in seven games this season, tallying 23 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown.
He also chipped in with a 9-yard reception and handled two kick returns for 59 yards. His absence doesn’t shake the top of the depth chart, but it does thin out the backfield, especially in a game where depth and fresh legs could be crucial.
In Jennings' place, the team is expected to elevate D’Ernest Johnson from injured reserve. Johnson, a reliable veteran presence, would slot in behind lead back Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson, who has impressed in limited action. With the Broncos boasting a physical front seven, having a third option in the backfield could help the Patriots manage the grind of a four-quarter playoff battle.
On the defensive side, Joshua Farmer won’t be suiting up either. The 2025 fourth-round pick had been trending toward a return after practicing all week, but was ruled out Saturday afternoon.
Farmer appeared in 13 games during his rookie campaign, recording 15 tackles, one fumble recovery, and a tackle for loss. While his stat line doesn’t jump off the page, Farmer showed promise as a rotational piece on the interior.
Fortunately for New England, defensive tackle is one of the deeper positions on the roster. The Patriots will roll into Denver with a solid rotation that includes Milton Williams, Christian Barmore, Khyiris Tonga, Cory Durden, and Leonard Taylor III-who’s expected to be elevated from the practice squad. That group gives the Patriots plenty of size and versatility to contend with the Broncos’ run game and protect the middle against Russell Wilson’s short passing game.
There’s also a bit of intrigue around wide receiver Mack Hollins. While he remains on injured reserve with an abdominal injury, the team didn’t rule him out, and he reportedly made the trip to Denver.
Hollins returned to practice Thursday and was a full participant on Friday, signaling that he’s at least in the mix for a potential activation. Whether or not he’s cleared in time for Sunday remains to be seen, but his presence suggests the team is keeping all options open as they prepare for one of the biggest games of the season.
Bottom line: the Patriots are heading into the AFC title game with a few moving pieces, but the core remains intact. With depth moves like Johnson and Taylor ready to step in, New England is doing what playoff teams do-finding ways to stay ready, stay deep, and stay dangerous.