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Report: Patriots To Sign Running Back Steven Jackson To One-Year Deal

By Matt Dolloff (@mattdolloff)

BOSTON (CBS) -- Less than a week after bringing Steven Jackson in for a workout, the Patriots are expected to sign the veteran running back to a one-year deal on Monday.

According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, who broke the story first, a source close to the team confirmed the impending signing. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport confirmed the report shortly after.

Despite a respectable effort from former practice squad player Joseph Iosefa against the Tennessee Titans, and the continued emergence of James White as a reliable weapon for Tom Brady out of the backfield, the Patriots ostensibly felt the need to add both depth and a veteran presence to their group of running backs.

Jackson is reunited with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who coached Jackson during his brief stint with the St. Louis Rams. The 32-year-old Jackson, a former Second Team All-Pro, has amassed 11,388 rushing yards in his career but averaged only 3.6 yards per carry in the past two seasons as a member of the Atlanta Falcons.

Despite questions of how much Jackson has left, he is the type of runner the Patriots could use in place of LeGarrette Blount, who is out for the season with a hip injury. The Patriots backfield, as always, remains a mystery, but the team has added another high-profile piece.

Scott Zolak and Marc Bertrand discussed the signing as the news broke. Listen to their reactions below:

Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Read more from Matt here. Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.

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