Patriots Rumors: James White starting to repalce Steven Ridley?
By Josh Hill
The New England Patriots had a wide receiver problem last year, but the similarly had a running back problem that held the offense back at times thanks to the uncertainty that surrounded the position. While LeGarrette Blount eventually capitalized on the situation, the starting role fluctuated from week to week.
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Steven Ridley was the guy that mostly everyone though would be the season-long starter, but he fumbled his way to the bench and into the doghouse with Bill Belichick. Aside form injuries as well, it was a bad season for Ridley and he may be on his way to being replaced in training camp.
While it’s just one practice, CSN New England’s Phil Perry reports that rookie James White is getting first team carries in practice.
"Stevan Ridley got most of his repetitions with the second-team offense on Wednesday. James White got a number of carries with Brady and the first-team offense, as did Shane Vereen. White has impressed the Patriots coaching staff and his own teammates this summer, and his move up the depth chart may have implications for Ridley’s use."
This is significant in that there is no Blount in the Patriots offense this year, and Ridley is on thin ice as it is. Belichick isn’t partial to veterans, he just wants guys who get the job done and right now that looks like White which is bad news for Ridley’s role as the starter.
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