With one week until the Patriots trim their roster down to 53, the third running back job is genuinely up for grabs. And Lan Larison, the second-year back, is making a real statement in the process. In last night's preseason action against Philadelphia, Larison was one of the most impressive performers on the field—the kind of gritty, tough-minded back who runs with purpose and doesn't need to be coaxed into contact.
Here's why this matters: the Patriots have a crowded backfield. Myles Montgomery and TreVeyon Henderson are established options, but behind them, there's real competition. Larison's ability to distinguish himself now, when tape is being reviewed closest and roster decisions hang in the balance, could be the difference between making the team and heading to another organization's practice squad. Vrabel's system values versatility and downhill aggression. If Larison is translating that to the field in August, that's not noise.
The second-year window is critical for guys like Larison. Year one is about learning. Year two is about proving you belong. A strong preseason finish—especially against NFL-caliber competition—gives the coaching staff a clearer picture of whether he's worth keeping on the active roster or stashing elsewhere. In a Patriots offense that's still taking shape under the new regime, depth at running back matters.
Larison's "gritty, tough" reputation isn't flowery language either. It's fundamental. In the trenches of August football, that's what separates the keepers from the cut-ups. If he can carry this into the final week of camp and into those last preseason snaps, he's putting real pressure on the front office to find him a spot. That's exactly where you want to be one week before cutdowns.