The New England Patriots reportedly are going back to offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels’ days with the St. Louis Rams in their search for a running back.
The Patriots are meeting with free-agent running back Steven Jackson on Wednesday, a source told ESPN’s Ed Werder. The meeting will include a workout, a source told NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.
Jackson played under McDaniels in 2011 with the Rams, when he had 260 carries for 1,145 yards with five touchdowns. He also had 42 receptions for 333 yards with a touchdown that season under the current Patriots offensive coordinator.
The 6-foot-2, 240-pound running back was selected No. 24 overall in the 2004 NFL Draft. He spent his first nine seasons with the Rams, then 2013 and 2014 with the Atlanta Falcons.
Jackson, 32, has played in just two career playoff games, both of which came in his rookie season. He has 2,743 career carries for 11,388 yards with 68 touchdowns in 11 seasons and 460 receptions for 3,663 yards with nine scores.
The Patriots are searching for running backs since starter LeGarrette Blount went down with a reportedly season-ending hip injury Sunday night. They signed Montee Ball to their practice squad Tuesday, and they have Brandon Bolden and James White on their 53-man roster. Undersized rookie Trey Williams and fullback Joey Iosefa also are on the Patriots’ practice squad.
Belichick started to be asked about the Patriots’ meeting with Jackson on Wednesday and walked off the podium laughing, saying, “Let’s just end on a high note.”
Thumbnail photo via Jason Getz/USA TODAY Sports Images
