Potential for Kevin Faulk to retire before the playoffs?

[ForThoseAboutToRock]

I'm just reading the tea leaves here. The only time I saw him on the field was as part of the hands team recovering the onside kick with 20 seconds left in the game. We've seen him barely at all the past few weeks, and more of Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead.

Do the Patriots reach a point where it's necessary to use a roster spot (say, for depth in the defensive secondary) and Faulk is asked to retire?

 

[102 Pat]

You need a guy like Faulk around for that veteran leadership once the playoffs start for the Pats. His contributions off the field may be just as important to his on the field work. Besides, I'm sure there is a critical 3rd down conversion coming at some point in the playoffs with his name all over it.

 

[RayClay]

So we're keeping him for the all important Colts matchup, then cutting him before the playoffs?

 

[Gwedd]

You need a guy like Faulk around for that veteran leadership once the playoffs start for the Pats. His contributions off the field may be just as important to his on the field work. Besides, I'm sure there is a critical 3rd down conversion coming at some point in the playoffs with his name all over it.

This. If the situation, player-wise, is that bad by the time the playoffs start, bringing in someone else isn't going to help.

 

[supafly]

Yeah, I wouldn't read too much into him not getting any touches yesterday, as each game plan is different.

Faulk is still our best at picking up the blitz here, and that could come handy in January, especially with his veteran leadership etc.

I wouldn't see any benefit to either side by cutting him in December...actually, I think that'd be rather disrespectful to a player who gave his all to this team. Even Belichick isn't that ruthless, that would be insane in my opinion.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

No. They IR Price or waive Underwood or cut you know who before Faulk goes. He is coming back from a knee injury and they are obviously being cautious after he likely had some swelling or discomfort after his first game back. Riddley and Vereen haven't shown much and are liabilities in pass protection. If nothing else Faulk is veteran depth and insurance in the event BJGE or Woodhead get dinged. He can play in no huddle...

I think Bill is being uber cautious with some of his guys. Chung has been good to go for a couple of weeks but Bill has chosen not to push it.

 

[Willie55]

He played the up man on punt returns yesterday also.

 

[RobertWeathers]

No. They IR Price or waive Underwood or cut you know who before Faulk goes. He is coming back from a knee injury and they are obviously being cautious after he likely had some swelling or discomfort after his first game back. Riddley and Vereen haven't shown much and are liabilities in pass protection. If nothing else Faulk is veteran depth and insurance in the event BJGE or Woodhead get dinged. He can play in no huddle...

I think Bill is being uber cautious with some of his guys. Chung has been good to go for a couple of weeks but Bill has chosen not to push it.

This. As long as his knee is ok, I don't see a playoff-bound backfield without Faulk in it. Vereen and Ridley are getting some reps just to keep them warm for a just-in-case scenario.

 

[jlu52]

If the Patriots have success in the playoffs this year, you can be sure that Kevin will be a contributor to said success...

 

[patsfan-1982]

the pats wont cut him out of respect and why would he retire he's still geting Paid, im not saying Faulk is all about the money but im sure he could use it

 

[mgteich]

There is no reason for Faulk to retire before the season ends or for the patriots to want him to do so.

 

[Mosi Moose]

I think his lack of carries/touches right now has a lot to do with a) giving Ridley/Vereen some opptys, and b) resting him for the playoffs. KF will play a roll in the playoffs, even if it's pass protection vs a team like BAL/PIT. There is definitely other 'dead weight' on this team that can be cut to create a roster spot if we need it.

 

[sbpatfan]

Faulk is old and slow, but he has some value to the team. The same can't be said for Price. I'd rather see him get the boot over Faulk.

 

[Garbanza]

I'm just reading the tea leaves here. The only time I saw him on the field was as part of the hands team recovering the onside kick with 20 seconds left in the game. We've seen him barely at all the past few weeks, and more of Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead.

Do the Patriots reach a point where it's necessary to use a roster spot (say, for depth in the defensive secondary) and Faulk is asked to retire?

No. Ridiculous. Although he's slower, I still think Faulk is better than Woodhead. Faulk is actually effective in blitz pick-up, Woodhead could get Brady killed. Yah, I know, Woodhead is a ST returner. Meh, keeping Brady upright is far more important than a measley return average.

 

[BlueThunder]

Not sure why Vereen or Ridley isn't back as return men.......maybe they need more experience before BB trusts them.....Woody is best used in situations where he is hidden by behemouth linemen.....Faulk is a better blocking back....I'm liking what the Pats have at RB.....next season should be even better with full TC and the experience they have already....:rocker:

 

[Patsfan1102]

The only way he retires early is if he was simply brought here to show Vereen the ropes...and Vereen shows great strides in his game before playoffs come around. I DO NOT want him to retire I'd feel much more comfortable with him on the field then ANY of our other runningbacks come playoff time.

 

[juny]

faulk is the veteran presence you want in the locker room. he was the only one who showed up to that awful playoff game against the ravens 2 years ago.

 

[Patsfan1102]

faulk is the veteran presence you want in the locker room. he was the only one who showed up to that awful playoff game against the ravens 2 years ago.

Don't forget Edelman

 

[alvinnf]

There is no way they would cut him prior to the playoffs. Actually the opposite holds true. They are holding on to him for the playoffs. He has been there and he's the one guy you could call on to secure an important punt or pick up a key blitz in a key spot. Those type of plays are invaluable.

 

[FalconHeavy]

No. They IR Price or waive Underwood or cut you know who before Faulk goes. He is coming back from a knee injury and they are obviously being cautious after he likely had some swelling or discomfort after his first game back. Riddley and Vereen haven't shown much and are liabilities in pass protection. If nothing else Faulk is veteran depth and insurance in the event BJGE or Woodhead get dinged. He can play in no huddle...

I think Bill is being uber cautious with some of his guys. Chung has been good to go for a couple of weeks but Bill has chosen not to push it.

I know who , heck, we all know who

poor guy though, he must have gotten used to it by now