124 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Chest injury places Patriots RB Morris on injured reserve By Len Pasquarelli ESPN.com The New England Patriots' high octane offense suffered a rare hit on Friday when backup tailback Sammy Morris, the team's leading rusher, was placed on injured reserve, ending his season. Morris, 30, suffered a chest injury in the Oct. 14 victory at Dallas and has been sidelined for the past two games. Signed as an unrestricted free agent this spring, Morris won the job as the backup to starter Laurence Maroney, essentially replacing Corey Dillon on the depth chart. Dillon, the nominal starter in 2006, requested and was granted his release in the offseason. In six appearances, including two starts, Morris carried 85 times for 384 yards and three touchdowns. He also had six receptions for 35 yards. Morris registered 100-yard outings in both starts in which he replaced an injured Maroney, rushing for 117 yards in an Oct. 1 win at Cincinnati and for 102 yards in an Oct. 7 victory over Cleveland. It was obvious as early as minicamps that the versatile Morris, who has also played some at fullback in his eight-year career, provided the Patriots more flexibility than Dillon. A hard-working, blue-collar player, Morris also contributed on special teams. The Patriots will likely now increase the workload of veteran back Heath Evans, who has seen his playing time increased in recent weeks. Kevin Faulk remains the third-down back and could also receive more carries now. New England will probably wait until Saturday to replace Morris on the roster, and his spot could go to cornerback Eddie Jackson, a standout special teams player who began the season on the physically unable to perform list but who returned to practice two weeks ago. A fifth-round pick of the Bills in the 2001 draft, Morris played for Buffalo (2001-2003) and Miami (2004-2006) before signing a four-year deal with New England. The former Texas Tech star has rushed for 1,853 yards and 17 touchdowns on 459 carries and has 118 receptions for 827 yards and one touchdown. He has appeared in 100 games, 25 of them as a starter. Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
afosomf Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 no great loss maroney is the main guy anyway and faulk is there for 3rd down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drago Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 well that does it, they will probably miss the playoffs now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Garb Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 no great loss maroney is the main guy anyway and faulk is there for 3rd down It's a big loss. Anyone that has been paying attention understands that Morris WAS outperforming Maroney. Not to mention the fact that Morney has some difficulty remaining healthy. Anyway, it's time for Maroney to step it up - and he did just that against the Skins last week. Let's see what he does against the Colts. Although I'm assuming not too much. It's 'gonna be a pass-fest. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Damaged89 Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 No way Maroney stays healthy carrying the full load. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 Who cares??? Do the Pats even need a f'ing RB at the moment???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackout Posted November 3, 2007 Share Posted November 3, 2007 not like they're going to run the ball Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alk Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 Paging Mr. Dillon...you have a telephone call... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick34125 Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 Paging Mr. Dillon...you have a telephone call... spot on. I hear he's back on the stationary bike and has given up late night ice cream sundaes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Irish Jet Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 spot on. I hear he's back on the stationary bike and has given up late night ice cream sundaes. Ha, I'll believe that when I see it!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whaler53 Posted November 4, 2007 Share Posted November 4, 2007 spot on. I hear he's back on the stationary bike and has given up late night ice cream sundaes. Your avatar and sig pic kick so much as it isn't even funny..... gotta love a lady with a gun..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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