Do we have a job opening at RB?

[nummit]

I saw the thread talking about C. Dillon being interested in a return to the NFL and it got me wondering if you guys think the Pats will fill Sammys spot with a free agent, or stick with the guys they have and use his roster spot for another position.
If its a free agent pick up, who is available?

 

[JJDChE]

I'd drop Eckel for Dillon in a millisecond.

 

[Jr.]

I Say Go after Tiki!!

 

[Pats726]

I like Dillon...a good addition...he will be just what is needed...

 

[PromisedLand]

I don't think they'll make any moves before Sunday - I think they'll wait until after the game in case there are any new injuries, then bring someone in (a RB or perhaps to fill a different need) right after so the player can have the bye week to help get acclimated.

 

[tombonneau]

Absolutely we do. If Maroney has to miss time we do not have a proven RB to carry the load. Eckel, Evans & Faulk are not every down backs.

I expect the Pats to take a look at some vet FAs. We just need a guy who can be the every down type RB.

 

[satz]

Eckel at 250lbs is no RB.....I am scott piolli has all the pregame video to find a kid or a veteran who can back up maroney,

 

[sieglo]

Wonder if Chad Jackson can play the position.

 

[DynastyDriven]

Wonder if Chad Jackson can play the position.

Are you serious?

 

[pats1]

Bam is the backup RB on the practice squad right now. But I don't think he's ready yet to play the position in a real game.

I'd go with Patrick Pass, honestly.

 

[spacecrime]

I'd go with Patrick Pass, honestly.

Good one!

 

[ATippett56]

I'd go with Patrick Pass, honestly.

I grabbed my hamstring after that one.

 

[Canada's #1 Pats Fan]

I grabbed my hamstring after that one.

I just pissed my pants laughing at that one.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Pending further injury I think they stand pat. They added Eckle AFTER Morris went down. It's past the trade deadline and there isn't anything available any better than the guys on the roster. Someone could land on waivers down the stretch, but with our record and the need on other teams I doubt anyone better than what we have would make it to us.

Dillon, even if he wanted to, would be of little use to us until he got into football shape, if he could now without tweeking something, which at this juncture would be around Christmas.

The Colts have Addai and a CFL UDFA as his backup. We have Maroney with Faulk to spell him and change the pace, and Evans and Eckle to bang it when necessary. If the line does it's job in run blocking, that should be sufficient given the receiving weapons we have.

 

[mgteich]

I don't understand. Eckel is a scrub, to be used in menaingless reps at the end of the game. As far as I can see, we have TWO openings. Why wouldn't we sign up a veteran running back would be available around Christmas. The point is to have a backup who cna play in the playoffs, especially if we ahve injuries.

I strongly suspect that we will look at several running backs during the bye week. Also, the team needs to make PUP decisions.

 

[brabirschorr]

Pending further injury I think they stand pat. They added Eckle AFTER Morris went down. It's past the trade deadline and there isn't anything available any better than the guys on the roster. Someone could land on waivers down the stretch, but with our record and the need on other teams I doubt anyone better than what we have would make it to us.

Dillon, even if he wanted to, would be of little use to us until he got into football shape, if he could now without tweeking something, which at this juncture would be around Christmas.

The Colts have Addai and a CFL UDFA as his backup. We have Maroney with Faulk to spell him and change the pace, and Evans and Eckle to bang it when necessary. If the line does it's job in run blocking, that should be sufficient given the receiving weapons we have.

No way the Pats stay pat
I think PromisedLand hit the nail on the head. They'll have one or more player in next week with two weeks to prepare for next game. No one here knows what kind of shape Dillon is in. If Bill thinks he can help he'll be in for a workout.

 

[jefmblrd]

With Morris going on IR, they definitely need to add another RB. I don't see much coming from Eckel and Evans, while he has had some good games, is a spot duty back.

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

I Say Go after Tiki!!

tiki??

interesting.....

 

[satz]

A typical RB is faster and lighter than a FB. Evans and eckel are around 250 lbs and are not suited to be RB just because the loss in speed and lateral movement needed.

dillion got real slow last year he was running like a FB and not a RB....i think a 220LB RB is needed .

 

[Fencer]

I presume Pass and Dillon have been told they have an open invitation to come visit if and when they think they're in close to game shape.

And by the way -- if for some reason they still don't trust Willie Andrews on kick returns, then the rest of KR depth is RBs (Maroney and Faulk). Pass helps w/ depth there too. I.e., Pass would be an interesting mid/late season pickup for all-around versatility.

As for Dillon -- who's currently unemployed that you'd rather have in the backfield on first-and-goal?