Patriots reportedly releasing veteran RB, following 2026 NFL Draft

TL;DR

The New England Patriots have released veteran running back Elijah Mitchell, who was signed to their practice squad in late 2025. Mitchell did not play in any games for the Patriots last season.

Key points

Elijah Mitchell released by New England Patriots
Signed to Patriots' practice squad in late 2025
Did not play in any games for New England
Previously with Kansas City Chiefs
Played one game for Chiefs last season

New England PatriotsKansas City Chiefs

Elijah Mitchell will have to search for a new NFL home this offseason.

According to the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed, the New England Patriots released Mitchell on Tuesday.

Mitchell was signed to the Patriots’ practice squad prior to Week 17 of the 2025 NFL season. He did not appear in a game for New England last season.

The Louisiana native was with the Kansas City Chiefs prior to signing with New England. He played in one game for Kansas City last season and was targeted once in the receiving game.

Mitchell has gone for 1,523 rushing yards in his career. His best season came in 2021, when he rushed for 963 yards and five rushing touchdowns as a rookie with the San Francisco 49ers. Mitchell now looks to the free agent market for his next NFL home heading into his fifth NFL season.

As for the Patriots, the team is crowded right now at running back with Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson, Jam Miller, Terrell Jennings and Lan Larrison currently on the roster. The team also signed former Central Florida undrafted rookie Myles Montgomery.

Q&A

Why did the Patriots release Elijah Mitchell?

The Patriots released Elijah Mitchell after he did not appear in any games during the 2025 NFL season.

What was Elijah Mitchell's performance with the Kansas City Chiefs?

Elijah Mitchell played in one game for the Kansas City Chiefs last season and was targeted once in the receiving game.

What are the next steps for Elijah Mitchell after being released?

Elijah Mitchell will need to find a new NFL team for the upcoming offseason after his release from the Patriots.