With starting running back LeGarrette Blount on crutches after suffering a hip injury Sunday night, the New England Patriots are bringing in free agent help. The team signed former Denver Broncos RB Montee Ball Tuesday to their practice squad. He may get the call to the active roster now that Blount is done for the season.
A former second round pick, Ball didn't make the Broncos' roster this season. However, he did have several tryouts with teams throughout the season. The news was first reported by Doug Kyed, a Patriots' beat writer. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Ball has been added to the practice squad.
In two seasons with Denver, Ball racked up 731 yards and five scores. He played in all 16 games in 2013, carrying the ball 120 times for 559 yards and four scores. There were high expectations entering 2014, but injuries limited him to just five games. Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson both passed him on the depth chart and the Broncos cut their losses this season.
The Patriots have been plagued by injuries this season and that includes the running back spot. Dion Lewis was lost earlier this season and with Blount hurt, the Patriots are short on depth. James White and Brandon Bolden are both on the roster, but they're better fits as pass-catching backs.
Without Blount, the team lacks a true between-the-tackles runner. Ball will need time to learn the offense, but he could replace Blount in certain situations if he's called up to the active roster. It's still unclear exactly how long Blount will be out.
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