Patriots RB Damien Harris (illness) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Colts. RB Kevin Harris is a healthy scratch, leaving RBs Pierre Strong and J.J. Taylor behind workhorse Rhamondre Stevenson.
The Patriots placed RB Ty Montgomery on IR. No word yet on the specific injury, but he's out for at least the next 4 games. Montgomery finished 2nd among Patriots RBs in snaps (36%) and tied Damien Harris for the RB lead in routes (31%) in Sunday's loss to the Dolphins, finishing with 2 carries and 4 targets. His absence opens up considerable opportunity in the passing game. It's uncertain whether Harris, RB Rhamondre Stevenson or possibly even RB Pierre Strong will capture it.
Patriots RB Ty Montgomery (knee) is active for today’s opener vs. the Dolphins. He’s not a fantasy option but does figure to siphon some passing-down snaps. Rookie RB Pierre Strong is a healthy scratch for New England.
Chad Graff of The Athletic writes that RB Pierre Strong “has a ways to go” to earn the team’s 3rd-down role. “[Ty] Montgomery is the better receiver and Rhamondre Stevenson is the better runner, making it tough to supplant either of them on third downs,” Graff writes of the rookie. Strong might open the season as the kickoff returner, but he’ll need a lot to break right to gain fantasy relevance in 2022.
Mike Dussault of the Patriots' official website calls RB Ty Montgomery the "early favorite" for passing-down duties. "Montgomery has been one of the under-the-radar stars of Patriots training camp this summer, slowly but surely cementing himself as part of the running back rotation," Dussault writes. HC Bill Belichick called Montgomery a "very smart, multi-skilled, multi-talented player" prior to Tuesday's practice. This still feels like a fluid situation, with RBs Rhamondre Stevenson and Pierre Strong also in the mix for pass-catching work. But it's time to at least start considering Montgomery near the end of deeper PPR drafts.
Patriots HC Bill Belichick said Tuesday that RB Rhamondre Stevenson "has done a real good job improving his pass-game skills," especially as a pass protector. Stevenson said back in June that his primary focus this offseason was in the passing game, and it sounds like the work has paid off. New England's pass-catching role is up for grabs with RB James White's retirement. It sounds like Stevenson, Ty Montgomery and rookie Pierre Strong are the top contenders for that job.
Patriots RB James White is retiring, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Many reports have had White continuing to have issues in his recovery from the hip injury that ended his 2021 campaign, so this doesn't come as a surprise. Rookie Pierre Strong might be the most direct replacement for White's skills and role, but we'll see how the renovated backfield splits up passing-down work. For now, Strong carries upside at the end of fantasy football drafts.
NESN's Zack Cox calls Ty Montgomery a "strong candidate" for the Patriots' 3rd-down RB role. "He’s listed as a wide receiver but has seen just as many reps in the backfield this summer, if not more," Cox writes. He goes on to concede that Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie Pierre Strong are also candidates for the 3rd-down job. So the situation is as clear as mud at this point. We'll see if we learn anything in preseason games.
ESPN's Mike Reiss highlights Patriots rookie RB Pierre Strong Jr. as a potential replacement for James White's passing-game usage if the veteran's hip doesn't allow him to begin the regular season on time. Strong's HC at South Dakota State called the RB's receiving "his greatest strength" and also lauded his ability as a pass protector. Strong also posted strong rushing numbers, including career highs of 1,686 yards and 240 carries (7.0 per rush) in his final season for the Jackrabbits. He then led all RBs at the Scouting Combine with a 4.37-second 40 at 5'11, 207 pounds. New England sports Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson as primary rushers, with 6th-round rookie Kevin Harris joining the mix there. Strong's primary competition for a "3rd-down" role, though, looks like J.J. Taylor and Ty Montgomery -- if White's not ready. New England tends to lean away from giving significant work to rookie RBs but had Stevenson ranking 2nd on the team in touches and total opportunities as a rookie just last year. Strong is interesting as an end-of-draft consideration for fantasy. He'll get more interesting the longer White stays on the PUP list.
Patriots insider Alex Barth writes, "initial reports suggest [RB James White] may not be fully cleared to play by the start of the season." White is working his way back from a significant hip surgery last September and was limited in spring workouts. We'll track his progress throughout the summer, but he's not a very appealing pick in early fantasy drafts. Barth believes rookie RB Pierre Strong is the "best fit" to fill White's pass-catching role if he's not ready for the start of the season.
South Dakota State RB Pierre Strong went to the Patriots in the 4th round of the NFL Draft. Strong brings stellar speed for the position (4.37-second 40) in a frame similar to Tony Pollard’s. He racked up three 1,000-yard rushing seasons over 4 years (plus a redshirt campaign) at South Dakota State, averaging 7.2 yards per carry for his career. Strong added decent receiving production, including 42 total receptions over his final 2 years. He led all of FCS in rushing yards and ranked 2nd in rushing TDs. Strong joins a crowded New England backfield alongside Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, James White and others – although Strong’s speed is something those other guys can’t match.
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