Eight free agent running backs the Patriots could add while James White is out
The Patriots could be without running back James White for the foreseeable future. White suffered a hip injury early in Sunday’s loss, and is ‘out indefinitely’ with an IR stay possible, according to #Patriots RB James White suffered a subluxation of the hip during yesterday’s game, per me and @MikeGiardi. The injury knocks the key offensive player out indefinitely. He has been undergoing tests today, but an IR stint would make sense.
Losing White for any period of time does a lot more than just chip into the team’s running back depth. The 29-year-old was the Patriots’ leading receiver through two games. He’s also their best pass blocking back, something that shouldn’t slide under the radar. Going back to last season’s team, the Patriots have now lost arguably their three best pass blocking backs in White, Rex Burkhead, and Sony Michel.
As long as white is out, the Patriots will be down to just four running backs in Damien Harris, J.J. Taylor, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Brandon Bolden. Although he played extensively last week, Bolden is primarily a special teamer. Meanwhile, Stevenson has been a healthy scratch the last two weeks after a rough all-around performance in Week 1. The team doesn’t have any running backs on their practice squad.
Given all of that, would the Patriots look to add another back to their roster? Here’s a look at some notable free agents who could logically step into the role vacated by White’s injury.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].
