FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Free-agent running back Steven Jackson is meeting with the New England Patriots on Wednesday, ESPN NFL Insider Ed Werder reports.
The Patriots' meeting with Jackson, 32, comes on the heels of news that top power running back LeGarrette Blount will be placed on season-ending injured reserve with a left hip injury. The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Jackson has played for the St. Louis Rams (2004-2012) and Atlanta Falcons (2013-2014).
He has not been with a team in 2015.
In 2011, Jackson played under Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels in St. Louis. In his career, Jackson has 2,743 carries for 11,388 yards (4.2 avg.), with 68 touchdowns.
The Patriots have just Brandon Bolden (fourth year) and James White (second year) as healthy running backs on the 53-man roster. They signed Denver Broncos 2013 second-round draft choice Montee Ball to their practice squad on Tuesday. They also have rookie Trey Williams (Texas A&M) and rookie fullback Joey Iosefa (Hawaii) on the practice squad.
The team also worked out rookie running back Alonzo Harris, formerly of the Packers, on Tuesday.
