Terrell Jennings will have an opportunity to return to the field in 2026.
The New England Patriots reached an injury settlement with the third-year running back on Saturday, according to the NFL transaction wire. He will now head to waivers with a shot to catch on elsewhere this August.
If unclaimed, the move opens the possibility for a return to Foxborough later in the campaign as an unrestricted free agent. Crossing that bridge would have to wait until the settlement’s timeframe is complete.
Jennings, 25, had been placed on injured reserve in the hours leading up to last Thursday’s preseason opener against the Indianapolis Colts. The 6-foot, 222-pound running back was in contention for the No. 3 spot on the depth chart behind incumbents Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.
The position also includes 2026 draft pick Jam Miller, 2025 undrafted free agent Lan Larison and recent veteran additions Hassan Haskins and JaMycal Hasty, who all saw the field for what became a 13-13 tie at Gillette Stadium.
A former rookie minicamp tryout, Jennings originally signed with New England as an undrafted free agent in 2024. The Florida A&M product went on to spend parts of the past two years on the 53-man roster after reaching the league limit in standard elevations from the practice squad.
Jennings rushed for his first career touchdown last fall before finishing the journey to Super Bowl LX on injured reserve. He has totaled 115 yards from scrimmage over the course of 37 touches. The stay has also included two kickoff returns and three tackles through 79 snaps on offense and 69 snaps on special teams.
With the settlement, five players currently reside on injured reserve for the Patriots. The season-ending list includes tight end Julian Hill, wide receivers Jimmy Kibble and Jeremiah Webb, running back Myles Montgomery, as well as guard Andrew Rupcich, who was sent to IR amid a series of moves announced on Saturday.