Running back should be a strength for the New England Patriots, but Antonio Gibson starting training camp on the active/non-football injury list means the team “might need to make a move” in free agency.

Patriots.com Staff Writer Evan Lazar believes that Gibson’s absence from the start of camp on Wednesday, July 24, has highlighted the lack of quality depth in the Patriots’ backfield.

Lazar noted, “Without Gibson, the Patriots’ already untested running back depth becomes even more depleted. Besides being a nice complement to Stevenson, Gibson was the only proven veteran on the roster behind New England’s starter as the clear-cut RB2. The Pats will practice with third-year back Kevin Harris, veteran JaMycal Hasty, and undrafted rookie Deshaun Fenwick as their depth options. Last week, they also placed undrafted rookie Terrell Jennings on the active/PUP list.”

The lack of game-ready talent behind lead back Rhamondre Stevenson means “personnel chief Eliot Wolf might need to make a move to bolster New England’s backfield.”

Fortunately, there are still plenty of quality veterans available on the market.