Are the Pats looking to replace Heath Evans?

[RayClay]

The Patriots and all teams are always looking for depth and youth. If there's a spot open (as there was last weekend) it's worth a look. To me it doesn't specifically mean they are dissatisfied with Evans, just always looking toward the future.

Let's ask another similar question. Does the signing (and retention on the 53) of Matt Gutierrez mean they are dissatified with Tom Brady?

It means you carry three quarterbacks. It could mean something about Cassel. What I'm trying to say is it isn't a great analogy.

The Pats have a full complement of RBs with various skills. They dropped a good special teams player to add Eckel to the roster.

Does Evans provide what they need at FB, or might they be leaning towards smashmouth short yardage guy rather than the finesse, receiving type they've favored, given Maroney's lackluster short yardage performance.

I'm not anti-Evans, just starting an actual football thread based on one of the few positions even questionable.

 

[stevepratt]

Eckel was signed to give depth for last week b/c of the Maroney injury. He is probably the type of guy that will be cut/resigned/put on the practice squad a few times this year depending on if they need the roster spot or if a running back is banged up. I wouldn't be suprised if Maroney is ready to go this week Eckel will be cut to free up a spot of Harrison. Evans has done a great job of lead blocking, allowing the Pats to use more Iformation sets with the fullback. The past few years he has been a great special teams player and also been able to carry the ball a few times. Even though he didnt get the ball in the endzone on the goaline its hard to blame him as there were five guys in the hole before he got the ball. While I was happy to see Eckel get promoted to the active roster I don't see him replacing Evans anytime soon.