⊂ Just days after a dominant ground performance in their 48-18 preseason win over the Washington Commanders, the New England Patriots have made a notable roster move. Rookie running back Lan Larison has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his debut season before it truly began, while the team has signed third-year running back Deneric Prince, a former Super Bowl champion, to bolster their depth.
The move was first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz and the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed on Sunday morning. Larison, an undrafted rookie out of UC Davis, made an impact in the Patriots’ preseason opener, contributing both as a runner and receiver and capping his performance with a fourth-quarter touchdown on a toss sweep. However, postgame images showed him wearing a protective boot, signaling a lower-body injury that has now been confirmed as season-ending.
Prince, 25, brings an intriguing mix of NFL and spring league experience. After five collegiate seasons split between Texas A&M and Tulsa, he went undrafted in 2023 but caught on with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning a Super Bowl LVIII ring as part of their roster. He later joined the Miami Dolphins’ practice squad in August 2024. Most recently, Prince showcased his versatility in the UFL with the Memphis Showboats, rushing for 337 yards (seventh-most in the league), adding 110 receiving yards, and scoring twice. He also contributed on special teams.
Prince now joins a crowded New England running back room that already features Rhamondre Stevenson, rookie TreVeyon Henderson, Antonio Gibson, Terrell Jennings, and JaMycal Hasty. The Patriots have been aggressive in reshaping their backfield this offseason, recently re-signing Hasty and now adding Prince’s championship pedigree. With defensive tackle David Olajiga qualifying for an International Pathway Program roster exemption, the Patriots remain at the 91-player limit.
The timing of the move is notable, as the Patriots are set to travel to Minnesota for two days of joint practices with the Vikings before a preseason matchup on Saturday afternoon. Prince will get his first opportunity to showcase his skills in a system that has historically leaned on running back depth.
This isn’t the first time the Patriots have looked to the Memphis Showboats for reinforcements this summer — offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom, another UFL alum, joined the team in late July and has been working with the reserve units in camp.
Meanwhile, the Patriots’ running game has been a strength early in the preseason. Henderson electrified fans by returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown against Washington, while Jennings and Larison each scored late in the contest. The unit’s strong showing only heightens competition for playing time, especially with Prince entering the mix.
Off the field, the weekend also brought a historic moment for the franchise as the Patriots unveiled a 12-foot bronze statue of legendary quarterback Tom Brady in the Patriot Place Plaza outside the Hall of Fame. Crafted by New England sculptor Jeff Buccacio, the statue captures Brady in a victorious pose, celebrating his two decades of unmatched success in Foxborough. Brady, who won six Super Bowls with the Patriots before adding a seventh in Tampa Bay, addressed fans with gratitude and optimism for the 2025 season.
As training camp continues, the Patriots’ roster battles — from running back rotations to wide receiver depth and offensive line roles — will be in full focus. With preseason action heating up, Prince’s arrival provides another layer of intrigue in New England’s quest to rebound and reassert themselves as AFC contenders.
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