A New Face Joins the Patriots Practice Squad — and One Moves On
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Change continues to ripple through the New England Patriots’ roster strategy. The team has announced a fresh move: veteran running back Craig Reynolds has been signed to the practice squad, while fellow running back Rushawn Baker has been released. Curiously, this signing comes just two days after Reynolds’ release from the Detroit Lions on November 26, 2025 — a quick turnaround that underscores how fast opportunities shift in the NFL.
Reynolds, 29, brings with him a wealth of league experience and a story of perseverance. Since entering the league as an undrafted rookie out of Kutztown in 2019, he’s traveled a long road through several teams — Washington, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and most notably Detroit. Standing at 5-foot-11 and weighing 216 pounds, he’s become a trusted depth option wherever he’s gone. Over his career, Reynolds has suited up for 60 regular-season games, including two starts, recording 154 carries for 658 yards and a touchdown, plus 25 receptions totaling 258 yards. During 2025, he appeared in seven games for the Lions, though limited to three rushing attempts for four yards. It’s the kind of quiet production that often goes unnoticed — but can make all the difference when depth is tested late in the season.
The move sends 22-year-old Rushawn Baker back into the market after a short stint with New England’s practice unit. Baker had originally signed as an undrafted rookie with the New York Giants back in May 2025, fresh off his college career at Elon, where he transferred after playing for Bucknell. Despite being released by the Giants in August, Baker found his way onto the Patriots’ radar and joined their practice squad on October 28, 2025. Standing 5-foot-11 and weighing 218 pounds, Baker impressed in his final college season with 859 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on 183 carries. Those are promising numbers — yet the NFL’s competitive churn often leaves little room for developing talent to settle in.
But here’s where it gets interesting — and maybe even a bit controversial. Was the decision to bring in Reynolds purely about experience, or does it signal deeper uncertainty in the Patriots’ running back rotation? Some might argue that swapping a younger player like Baker for a seasoned veteran reveals a short-term focus — a desire for reliability over potential. Others will counter that a team in transition can’t afford to gamble on inexperience at such a physically demanding position.
Either way, the move keeps the Patriots' backfield story worth watching. Do you think bringing in a veteran like Reynolds was the right call? Or should New England have invested more time in developing Baker’s upside? Share your take — because this debate touches the heart of how teams balance promise versus proven performance.
