The New England Patriots continue to try and combat injuries that have taken place as they look to make several roster additions to help with depth. The team has lost several players this season including Dion Lewis and LeGarrette Blount. Meanwhile, Julian Edelman is gone until potentially the postseason. That leaves a lot of holes on the field and spots to be filled as the Patriots head into Week 15.
According to NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport, the Patriots have worked out Steven Jackson in wake of Blount's season-ending hip injury. This comes after the team signed Montee Ball to their practice squad earlier in the week. Jackson has not been seen since last season with the Atlanta Falcons where he struggled. In two years he acquired 1,250 yards. He was a fading veteran who was cut at the end of the year. It is unclear if the interest in Jackson is really serious. The Patriots are preparing to play Brandon Bolden and James White on Sunday, but they might not be enough to help get the job done.
According to the Boston Herald, Bolden will be the starting running back and team workhorse as White works in as a passing-down back. Bolden has never been asked to carry the ball upwards of 20 times in a game, but the running back stressed he is ready for the opportunity.
"Whatever coach (Bill Belichick) prepares you for, we try to make sure everyone gets a good look on everything just in case," Bolden said, via the Boston Herald. "You never know what's going to happen in the course of a game. I believe in my mind, yes, coach has put me in a position to be ready for anything."
According to head coach Bill Belichick, Bolden can be a four-down running back while White is the change-of-pace player. That means Ball is not likely to see the field on Sunday while the interest in Jackson might be fading. If Bolden struggles in Week 15, the interest in outside help could increase as the Patriots will need to figure out their run game before the postseason.
According to Rapoport, the Patriots also signed Leonard Hankerson who was most recently released from injured reserve from the Atlanta Falcons. That could simply be insurance for depth in New England. The Patriots have a healthy Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola back in the mix while they wait for Edelman. Brandon LaFell is also healthy, but struggling as of late. It is unlikely Hankerson sees the field considering he has been dealing with a hamstring injury. However, the Patriots have not had any luck when it comes to injuries, so getting help on the roster has become a priority.