The Patriots reportedly sign former USFL running back CJ Marable
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Marable had 525 rushing yards and 235 receiving yards in the USFL.
The Patriots have reportedly signed former USFL running back CJ Marable. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
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The Patriots’ first preseason game didn’t tell us much, but it did give us some clues
After weeks of visits from free agents to discuss the position, the patriots reportedly added a running back Friday night.
It’s not one of the big names out there Leonard Fournette or Ezekiel Elliott, who left Foxborough without contracts after their visits. Instead, New England signed former USFL defenseman CJ Marable, KPRC’s Aaron Wilson reported.
Some believed the Patriots could chase back a bigger name for a one-two in Rhamondre Stevenson. It looks like Bill Belichick and co. have settled on an eclectic depth piece, at least for now.
Marable rushed for 500 yards in the USFL and added 235 yards on reception. In three seasons on the Carolina Coast, he accumulated 2,691 rushing yards, 703 receiving yards, and 41 touchdowns. He will enter a running back room that also includes Pierre Strong Jr., Ty Montgomery and Kevin Harris, among others.
Unless New England has plans to sign another running back, it seems Stevenson will get most of the workload behind Mac Jones, while others are situationally mixed.
None of the Patriots’ running backs found success against the Texans Thursday night, albeit behind a weakened offensive line. Malik Cunningham led all New England rushers when he came on as quarterback and gained 34 yards on the floor. Strong was the most effective defender with six carries for 21 yards. Harris had one seven-yard rush but only rushed for three yards on his other seven carries. He finished with 10 yards.
Marable could help out behind Stevenson, especially if he proves an effective part of the passing game. He also has experience returning kicks.
The jump from the USFL to the NFL is not uncommon. Just last season KaVontae Turpin signed with the Dallas Cowboys after a USFL stint where he became league MVP. He didn’t make it through as a wide receiver in his freshman year, but he played a consistent role on special teams. Return punts and kicks.
Marable could be available as early as New England’s next preseason game on Aug. 19 against the Green Bay Packers.
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