The loss of fullback James Develin to a neck injury prompted some big changes to the Patriots' offense.
The hard luck of then losing Develin's replacement, rookie Jakob Johnson, to a shoulder injury prompted New England to execute a Plan C at fullback, utilizing former University of Houston linebacker Elandon Roberts as a blocking back.
A team captain for the Patriots, Roberts has stepped up on the other side of the football.
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"Elandon’s got a very physical style of play," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said.