Foxboro, MA (SportsNetwork.com) – The New England Patriots re-signed running
back LeGarrette Blount on Thursday, just two days after he was released by the
Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers decided to part ways with Blount after he reportedly left the
field prior to the conclusion of Monday’s game against Tennessee.
Multiple media outlets reported that Blount walked off the field before the
end of the Steelers’ 27-24 win over the Titans, apparently upset over his lack
of playing time. He did not receive a carry in the contest, as Le’Veon Bell
racked up a career-high 204 yards on 33 rushes.
Blount joined the Steelers in March on a two-year contract after a spending
the 2013 season with New England. He got into immediate trouble with his new
team after being cited for marijuana possession, along with Bell, in August.
The Patriots had acquired Blount on April 27, 2013 in a trade with Tampa Bay
and last season he rushed for 772 yards with seven touchdowns in 16 games,
seven of which were starts. In the postseason win against Indianapolis on Jan.
11, 2014, Blount ran for 166 yards and set a franchise record with four
rushing touchdowns.
In 11 games this season, Blount rushed for 266 yards with two touchdowns. He
had 10 carries in Week 9 against Baltimore and just five last Sunday in the
loss to the Jets prior to Monday.
The 28-year-old Oregon product spent his first three NFL seasons with the
Buccaneers, rushing for 1,007 yards as a rookie in 2010.
New England cleared a roster spot by releasing defensive lineman Casey Walker,
who compiled 10 tackles and one sack in five games this season.
