The New England Patriots continue to shift around their roster as they prepare to begin the season without Tom Brady under center. Injuries have been a big factor in determining the offensive starters as players like Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell remain out with issues. However, their absences are letting other players shine, something coming true in the ground game for New England.
LeGarrette Blount returns as the workhorse running back, but that debut could be delayed. Blount is already suspended for the first game of the season and an MCL sprain is keeping him off the field during practice. While Blount is looking for a career-best year, he is currently being outshined by James White and Jonas Gray who are looking much improved from last year. According to the Boston Herald, both White and Gray have been major bright spots for the Patriots this preseason and are making Blount expendable.
"I'm just trying to play with confidence," White said, via the Herald. "Just know what I'm doing, be a reliable football player so when I get a chance to make a play for my team, I'm going to do that, whether it's picking up a blitz, running the ball or catching the ball. I'm going to do whatever it takes."
There are certainly a lot of teams hoping the Patriots release Blount so they can add him to the roster. While it is unclear exactly what Blount's standing is with New England at the moment, there is no doubting he has been one of their most consistent threats and keeping him on the roster might be the wiser move.
The receiver rotation is also looking for breakout stars as players sit on the sideline. According to Edelman via ESPN.com, he has no idea if he will be cleared to play Week 1 following an ankle injury. Team sources say the receiver's health is improving, but Edelman is not making any guarantees. The same can be said for LaFell who has a foot injury plaguing him since the offseason. As a result, players like Danny Amendola and now Reggie Wayne are looking to earn their spot on the field. Bill Belichick made it clear that Wayne is guaranteed nothing while Amendola has been facing trade talk for the past year. This is their chance to prove themselves.
"Something new for me, and I'm looking forward to the journey," Wayne said, via ESPN.com. "Sitting at home in Miami, just constantly getting that itch; the longer I waited, the harder it was going to be. I think it's right on time. I have to go back to school and try to figure out [everything]."
