LaGarrette Blount: What to expect

The Patriots have reunited with big power back LeGarrette Blount after he was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday. With Stevan Ridely out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury and Jonas Gray listed on today's injury report LaGarrette Blount could be in for an early workload Sunday against the Detroit Lions.

Blount excelled last year when Stevan Ridley had his fumbling issue and will look to add depth to the running back position this year. With the way that the Patriots ran the ball last week against the Colts it will be a huge benefit adding another back and not expect Jonas Gray to carry the ball 37 times.

Blount's role in the backfield is left entirely up to him according to Belichick, and he should look to get his chances in this weeks game. He will able to help the Patriots team more then just being a power back.

1. He will be able to jump right into the role he played last year as a kick returner. He had an impact in the return game last year, and that is somewhere that he can seemingly slide right in and make an impact. He adds depth to an already extremely deep Patriots offense.

2. Blount being such a big back and being familiar with the offense, he will be able to slide into the backfield when during short yardage and goal line situations. Blount's familiarity with the offense will prove key when he looks to get in some snaps against the Lions this week.

3. With Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley both heading into the last year of their contracts, Blount give the Patriots some flexibility and breathing room in their backfield. With Jonas Gray producing, Brandon Bolden playing a key role on special teams, and Tyler Gaffney coming off of Injury Reserve after the season, the Patriots backfield has a lot of depth.

What do you think of the Patriots brining back Blount?


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