The Patriots are boosting their running back depth, but they’re not making a splash move like many thought they might.
According to a source, the Patriots are signing C.J. Marable, who last played for the Birmingham Stallions of the USFL. The 26-year-old won two USFL championships in the past two seasons.
Marable signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent out of Coastal Carolina in 2021. He was released at the end of training camp, but landed with the Stallions the next spring where he ran for 401 yards, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.
The news of Marable’s signing was first reported by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2.
The Patriots roster is already at the maximum limit of 90 players so the team will have to make a corresponding move to free up a spot for Marable. Their options are either releasing a player, trading a player or placing someone on the season-ending injured reserve.
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This spring, Marable ran for 525 yards, averaging 4.4 yards per carry for the Stallions. He finished fourth in the USFL in rushing. He also added three rushing touchdowns.
The Patriots return leading rusher Rhamondre Stevenson, but the depth beyond him has been concerning. Ty Montgomery hasn’t practiced most of training camp and that’s left the Patriots with Kevin Harris, Pierre Strong and J.J. Taylor. None of them separated themselves in the Patriots preseason opener against the Houston Texans, but the offensive line situation didn’t help.
The Patriots averaged 3.1 yards per carry against Houston and their leading rusher was quarterback Malik Cunningham with 34 yards. Strong ran for 21 yards on six carries (3.5 yards per carry). Harris ran for 10 yards on eight carries (1.3 yards per carry) and Taylor ran for four yards on four carries (1.0 yards per carry).
The Patriots have been in the running back market this offseason and summer. The team hosted free agent Ezekiel Elliott and has been in touch with the Pro Bowler since. The Patriots also worked out veterans Leonard Fournette and Darrelle Henderson. The team was also showing interest in Pro Bowl running back Dalvin Cook.
It’s still possible the team adds a veteran, but for now, Marable will help fill the running back depth chart.
