bv. Patriots Stun Fans With Ice-Cold Roster Move — Veteran RB Craig Reynolds Replaces Young Talent in Playoff Push
In a calculated roster tweak that prioritizes experience over potential, the New England Patriots have made a decisive move to bolster their running back depth. Despite holding a commanding 10-2 record and leading the AFC East as Week 13 unfolds, the team isn’t resting on its laurels. Instead, they’ve opted for a cold-blooded swap: releasing young running back Rushawn Baker from the practice squad to make room for veteran Craig Reynolds, a former Detroit Lions rusher known for his reliability and special teams prowess.
This adjustment comes amid ongoing challenges in the Patriots’ backfield. Early-season fumbles by starter Rhamondre Stevenson, coupled with injuries to Stevenson and Terrell Jennings, have forced head coach Mike Vrabel and his staff to experiment with rotations and practice squad elevations. The addition of Reynolds signals a shift toward veteran savvy as the team eyes a strong postseason push.
Vrabel didn’t mince words when discussing the rationale behind bringing Reynolds aboard. “He’s played, he’s got value on fourth down, special teams and figured that if we need him, that he’s played on Sundays,” Vrabel said earlier this week. “I’ve always liked his play demeanor, how hard he plays and his ability to play on special teams.” It’s clear the coach values Reynolds’ battle-tested mentality, especially in high-stakes situations where youth might falter.
Reynolds, an undrafted free agent who entered the league with the Washington Redskins in 2019, has built a solid resume across multiple teams. The Kutztown University product has also suited up for the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, and most recently, the Detroit Lions. In 60 career games, the compact, versatile back has amassed 658 rushing yards and one touchdown, while also contributing as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. His ability to impact special teams adds another layer of utility, making him an ideal practice squad addition for a contending team like New England.
With this signing, Reynolds becomes the second veteran running back on the Patriots’ practice squad, joining D’Ernest Johnson. Johnson has already been elevated to the active roster three times this season—the maximum allowed—leaving Reynolds as the likely next man up should injuries or performance issues arise. This move underscores the Patriots’ pragmatic approach: swapping the unproven Baker for a player who can step in immediately without missing a beat.
The Patriots’ running back group has shown flashes of potential but lacks consistency. The core trio of Stevenson, Jennings, and rookie TreVeyon Henderson have all found the end zone this year, yet big performances have been sporadic. Stevenson’s nagging toe injury has sidelined him for stretches, while Henderson’s early struggles in pass protection have raised concerns. By injecting Reynolds’ experience into the mix, New England is hedging its bets, ensuring depth that could prove crucial in the playoffs.
This isn’t the first time the Patriots have retooled their backfield mid-season, but it highlights Vrabel’s no-nonsense philosophy: win now, with players who have proven they can handle the NFL’s grind. As the team prepares for the final stretch of the regular season, this cold-blooded decision could pay dividends when it matters most.
