Report: Patriots Looking For A Running Back Before The Trade Deadline

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With the 2014 NFL trade deadline fast approaching, the New England Patriots are looking for an upgrade on the offensive side of the ball. However, they're seemingly not searching for a wide receiver as previous reports would suggest.

According to Mike Florio of NBC's Pro Football Talk, "per a league source, the Pats and coach Bill Belichick are looking for a running back."

Stevan Ridley was recently lost for the season after suffering a torn ACL. Shane Vereen was originally slated to take on the bulk of the running duties, but Jonas Gray received 17 carries (for 86 yards) during Sunday's win over the Chicago Bears and could receive an extended look in the backfield even when Vereen (5 carries) is fully 100% from his recent illness.

No one can fully guess what Bill Belichick and the rest of the Patriots are thinking at any time, let alone in advance of the trade deadline. We'll have our answer as to whether the Pats will deal for a running back by 4:00pm EST on Tuesday.

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