The Patriots have one of the deeper running backs rooms in the league and following an up-and-down Week 1 against the Dolphins, it’s possible things get shaken up a bit for Week 2 against the Jets.
Even though Damien Harris had the costly fumble late, he likely will remain in his lead-back role, but the change could come at the backend of the position.
J.J. Taylor was a healthy inactive against Miami and that could change this week with him taking rookie Rhamondre Stevenson’s spot on the game-day roster.
Stevenson played just five snaps in Week 1, which included a fumble and getting blown up while attempting to block Dolphins linebacker Elandon Roberts when he came through the line.
"You've got to understand how important that ball is,” running backs coach Ivan Fears said Tuesday. “I hope he learns from Damien -- the situation -- and how devastating it is when you give up the ball. It's got to become No. 1. He's got to learn that no matter when the ball comes you, even though you may think you're down, everything doesn't always back you. So hand the ball to the official, is what you gotta do.
“That should be your goal. You get tackled, you're the one handing the ball to the official after every time you touch it. That's the way we've got to approach. He's got to approach it that way. He's got to learn that lesson. He's a hell of a back but he's got to learn that lesson. Can't play the other way."
While he was inactive, Fears said Taylor had a productive week.
"You know it,” he said. “Last year, J.J. would step up. Whenever he was asked to play, he'd make some plays. The guy's a doggone good back and he's just got to wait for his shot. He had a hell of a week last week in practice as a scout-team guy, helping us and helping the defense. He's ready. We're always looking at those situations, and we're going to -- and hopefully he'll have another good doggone week.
“He's definitely someone that we'd like to think about."
Taylor certainly isn’t as big as Stevenson, but he showed the ability to be able to run in between the tackles and pick up the blitz in the preseason.
We’ll see how the week plays out, but don’t be surprised if the Patriots change up the running back position this week.
