{
  "id": 3638420,
  "title": "Patriots Face Fascinating Choose-Your-Own-Adventure At Running Back",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/patriots-face-fascinating-choose-your-own-adventure-at-running-back",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T01:44:23.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/patriots-face-fascinating-choose-own-014423889.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The New England Patriots are facing a critical decision regarding their final running back position. Two promising candidates, Mike Vrabel's protégé Lan Larison and the powerful Hassan Haskins, are locked in a fierce battle for the third spot behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson.\n\nLarison, standing at 5-foot-11 and 209 pounds, brings a unique blend of skills to the table. His 38-yard receiving performance in the preseason opener against Indianapolis, coupled with his 127 receptions for 1,626 yards and 10 touchdowns during his college career, showcase his versatility and receiving prowess. Vrabel lauded Larison's \"gritty, tough performance,\" highlighting his all-purpose yardage and a crucial fourth-down conversion.\n\nOn the other hand, Haskins, a 6-foot-2, 228-pound force, offers a more traditional option. With four carries for 16 yards this preseason and work as a kickoff returner, he could provide the necessary power and reliability for short-yardage situations. His size could also complement Henderson's speed and receiving ability, forming a dynamic duo in the backfield.\n\nWhile Larison's recent strong performance and receiving ability give him an edge, Haskins' power and potential as a reliable short-yardage back could sway the decision. As the preseason finale against the Cleveland Browns approaches, both players will have the opportunity to prove their worth in determining who will don the third-down and goal-line role for the Patriots.",
  "summary": "Lan Larison and Hassan Haskins offer the Patriots two completely different options in one of the team’s most intriguing final roster battles.",
  "key_points": [
    "New England Patriots must decide between Lan Larison and Hassan Haskins for third running back spot.",
    "Lan Larison's 38-yard receiving performance and versatility impress New England Patriots coach.",
    "Hassan Haskins' power and potential as reliable short-yardage back could sway decision."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Patriots' decision on their third running back spot will likely hinge on whether they prioritize versatility and receiving skills or power and reliability in short-yardage situations.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}