The Patriots have been grappling with flimsy depth at running back for most of the 2021 season. The latest issue is that J.J. Taylor is reportedly going on the reserve/COVID-19 list, leaving a hole at the end of the RB depth chart.
Based on a new report by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Pats are quickly looking to fill the void left by Taylor’s absence. Per Reiss, they’re working out former Saints and Jaguars running back Devine Ozigbo. “If all goes well, look for him to be added to practice squad,” Reiss tweeted on Tuesday.
Ozigbo’s Wikipedia page lists him as being born in Boston. However, he attended Sachse High School in Sachse, Texas, then played four years at Nebraska. As a senior, he rushed for 1,082 yards on 155 carries (a 7.0-yard average) and scored 12 touchdowns.
The 5-foot-11, 225-pound Ozigbo entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jaguars in 2019. In 21 games between Jacksonville and New Orleans, Ozigbo has rushed 11 times for 23 yards on the ground, and caught 13 of 15 targets for 72 yards.
Ozigbo would provide the Patriots with depth for the practice squad and scout team offense. He would be the first pure running back to be signed to the Patriots’ practice squad instead of the main roster in 2021. The team also had fullback Ben Mason on the practice squad earlier in the season.
MORE: Patriots place J.J. Taylor on COVID list, designate rookie to return
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