Antonio Gibson injury update: Will the Patriots RB miss more games after knee issue vs Bills?

New England Patriots running back Antonio Gibson was ruled out with a knee injury during Sunday night’s Week 5 matchup against the Buffalo Bills. The veteran was hurt on a second-quarter kickoff return and exited to the locker room after initial evaluation in the blue medical tent. The team later announced he would not return.

Gibson, 27, has been a key part of New England’s rushing rotation and primary kickoff returner this season. His exit forced the Patriots to shuffle their backfield and special teams plans midgame.

Details on the Antonio Gibson injury

The injury occurred when Gibson took a hard hit while returning a kickoff for 24 yards. He stayed down for several moments while trainers assessed his right knee. Although he limped off the field under his own power, he was quickly ruled out after further checks.

Before the injury, Gibson had stepped into a larger role following an early fumble by Rhamondre Stevenson. Rookie TreVeyon Henderson was then called upon to fill the gap after Gibson’s departure.

Gibson joined the Patriots in 2024 as a free agent and entered Week 5 with 26 touches for 107 yards and a touchdown on offense this season. On special teams, he had been productive with 10 kickoff returns for 293 yards, including a 90-yard touchdown in Week 3 against Miami that earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Against Buffalo, he had added two more returns for 49 yards before the injury.

As of Monday morning, the Patriots have not released a detailed medical update or a recovery timeline. Further testing will determine whether the injury is short-term or could lead to missed games beyond Week 5.

Impact on the Patriots moving forward

Gibson’s absence creates immediate depth concerns. New England now leans heavily on Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson in the rushing attack. The team will also need a new primary kickoff returner if Gibson misses additional time.

Special teams production could take a hit. Gibson’s ability to flip field position — highlighted by his long return against Miami — has been a weapon for New England this season. Losing that explosive option could affect early drives and overall field position strategy.

In summary, the Antonio Gibson injury update confirms he was ruled out of the Bills game with a knee issue. No official timetable has been shared, and further evaluation will determine how long the Patriots might be without one of their key versatile players.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened to Antonio Gibson?

He hurt his knee on a second-quarter kickoff return against the Bills and was ruled out after leaving for the locker room.

Q2: Did the Patriots confirm his status?

Yes. The team announced “RB Antonio Gibson, Knee, Out” during the game.

Q3: Who replaced Gibson in the backfield?

TreVeyon Henderson saw an increased workload, while Rhamondre Stevenson remained part of the rotation.

Q4: How does this affect kick returns?

Gibson is the primary returner. The Patriots will have to find a new option if he misses time.

Q5: Is there a recovery timeline?

Not yet. The Patriots have not announced how long he will be out.