Reiss: LeGarrette Blount's Job With Patriots Could Be In Jeopardy
BOSTON (CBS) -- Prominent Patriots beat writer Mike Reiss posted a brief preview of Patriots training camp, which begins July 28 at Gillette Stadium. Part of his Wednesday post on ESPN centered on running back LeGarrette Blount, who Reiss labeled the "Veteran whose job is in jeopardy."
Blount played in 12 games in 2015, averaging 4.26 rushing yards on 165 carries and punching in six touchdowns. Three of them came in the same game, Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He suffered a season-ending hip injury in Week 14 against the Houston Texans.
The running back signed a one-year deal with the Patriots but did not participate in spring practices as he recovers from his injury. Could Blount's hip and "modest" contract mean he is on thin ice on the Patriots roster?
"If he returns to full health and runs hard like he did at times in 2015, there shouldn't be any issues. But that isn't a given based on the present snapshot," Reiss's post reads.
One thing that could ultimately help Blount is the Patriots' lack of viable options on the running back depth chart. They have Dion Lewis, who proved to be a dynamic back when on the field but is not a sure bet to stay healthy, along with James White, Brandon Bolden, free-agent addition Donald Brown, and undrafted free agent signing D.J. Foster out of Arizona State.
Blount's status - and the overall battle at the running back position - will be one of the most intriguing stories to watch at camp.
