Report: Patriots Meeting With Veteran Running Back Steven Jackson
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots have been super-busy looking at running backs in the wake of LeGarrette Blount's potential season-ending injury, and now they're showing interest in a former All-Pro. Veteran tailback Steven Jackson is meeting with the Patriots in Foxboro today based on "mutual interest" between the two parties, according to ESPN's Ed Werder.
The 32-year-old Jackson played as recently as last season with the Atlanta Falcons, where in two seasons with the team he averaged 3.6 yards per rush in 27 games. He amassed eight straight seasons of over 1,000 rushing yards prior to 2013 with the St. Louis Rams, where in 2011 he amassed 1,145 yards and 5 touchdowns under offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Source says #Patriots meeting today with RB Steven Jackson based on mutual interest. Pats need a RB and Jackson played for OC Josh McDaniels
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdESPN) December 16, 2015
The Patriots added former Broncos running back Montee Ball to the practice squad on Tuesday. Brandon Bolden and James White remain atop the depth chart, and still figure to get the majority of early-down and third-down touches, respectively.
ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss asked Bill Belichick about Jackson at the coach's Wednesday press conference, but the Hoodie pulled a George Costanza to evade the question:
Bill Belichick asked about Steven Jackson rumor turns George Costanza and ends on a high note #Patriots #WBZ pic.twitter.com/3zFDAYPGwh
— Joe Giza (@JoeGiza) December 16, 2015
It's doubtful that Jackson has much left in the tank after 2,743 career rushing attempts. His yards per carry declined by almost a full yard after leaving St. Louis. But he is a similar back to Blount in his ability to hit the point of attack quickly and gain momentum as a downhill runner. If the Patriots bring him aboard and the offensive line can block for him, he could prove to be a valuable runner in the backfield. And if he can regain any of the magic of his early career, when he was one of the league's most dominant runners, he could be a nice boost for the Patriots run game.