The New England Patriots have addressed their need for more running back depth by bringing back Kenjon Barner on Monday, Zack Cox of NESN reports.
Barner was just released by the Patriots last week to make room for the returning Julian Edelman on the roster.
That move saw the Patriots go down to just two recognized running backs in Sony Michel and James White. Jeremy Hill is out for the season with a torn ACL and Rex Burkhead is in IR with a neck injury.
Per Doug Kyed of NESN, the Patriots were also in contact with another former running back in Mike Gillislee, who was recently released by the New Orleans Saints.
Article Continues BelowBut they opted to bring back Barner, who is now set to begin his third stint with New England this season alone. He was on the roster from Sept. 11-19 and from Sept. 26-Oct. 4.
Barner, the Eagles’ primary returner last season, has played only one game for the Patriots. He had three carries for 11 yards late in the Patriots’ Week 4 win against the Miami Dolphins.
Unless Michel or White gets injured, Barner does not figure to play a significant part in a Patriots offense which is finally starting to find its groove after a somewhat slow start. They’ve posted 38 points in each of the least two weeks in home wins over the Dolphins and Colts.
Rookie Michel has been a prominent part of those victories with his contribution in the running game. He has 220 rushing yards and two touchdowns in those two games.