Patriots Sign Veteran Running Back Steven Jackson

With their backfield decimated by injuries, the New England Patriots have called in reinforcements in the form of veteran running back Steven Jackson.

The 32-year-old last played for the Atlanta Falcons, who released him at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season. Jackson also spent time with the St. Louis Rams; he has rushed for 11,388 yards in 11 seasons and was selected for the Pro Bowl three times. He previously worked with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels when the pair were both in St. Louis.

He will share the backfield with LeGarrette Blount,  Brandon Bolden, James White and rookie Joey Iosefa. Given that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is notorious for cycling through depth players, it’s hard to imagine Jackson not having a shot to take control of the time-share in the coming weeks.

The 12-2 Patriots have already clinched their division and will face the Jets and Dolphins in the final two weeks of the season.

As for Jackson, his most recent tweet indicates that he’s ready to play.

Photo: Steven Jackson of the St. Louis Rams. Photo by John Martinez Pavliga, via Wikimedia Commons