Running backs are a hot commodity right now as NFL teams scramble to add depth at the position because of recent injuries.
The New England Patriots, who lost Dion Lewis to a season-ending ACL injury Sunday, might be one of those clubs looking for a running back ahead of their Week 10 matchup with the New York Giants.
The Patriots’ offense never has been too reliant on running backs during Bill Belichick’s tenure as head coach, but it would be smart to strengthen the position for the playoffs. LeGarrette Blount is a quality No. 1 back, but backups James White and Brandon Bolden have seen limited snaps this season.
One potential target for New England is Jonas Gray, who was waived by the Miami Dolphins on Tuesday after rushing for 122 yards on 33 carries through six games. Gray, of course, is a former Patriot who made his mark in last season’s regular-season meeting with the Indianapolis Colts when he ran for 201 yards and four touchdowns.
Dri Archer is a free-agent option after he passedg through waivers earlier in the week. The former Pittsburgh Steelers running back has turned down several practice-squad offers in hopes of landing a spot on a 53-man roster, per ProFootballTalk.
The Cleveland Browns announced Tuesday they had waived running back Robert Turbin. Like Gray, Turbin would need to pass through nearly every team on waivers for the Patriots to sign him. The waiver order starts with the teams at the bottom of the league standings, which means New England is among the final teams because of its 8-0 record.
Turbin has played in three games this season, gaining 60 rushing yards on 18 carries. He spent the previous three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks as Marshawn Lynch’s backup.
Travaris Cadet, who played for the Patriots in training camp, no longer is an option because he’s signing with the San Francisco 49ers, per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Thumbnail photo via Thomas J. Russo/USA TODAY Sports Images
