FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots waived running back Joey Iosefa last Friday, and soon after, the University of Hawaii alum had a chance to work out for another team.
He said no thanks.
Instead, Iosefa remained in Massachusetts, waiting to re-sign with the Patriots. That should soon become official, as the team is bringing Iosefa back to fill the open spot on the 90-man roster created by linebacker Tony Steward's release.
Patriots fans probably remember Iosefa best for his physical run against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 20, when he steamrolled defensive back Coty Sensabaugh. At 6-feet and 240 pounds, Iosefa is a punishing runner who is a hybrid running back/fullback. He spent most of 2015 on the practice squad, appearing in two regular-season games.
One obvious question with Iosefa's situation is why the team would waive him in the first place. This was a case where some juggling was required on the 90-man roster to account for the signing of undrafted free agents, and Iosefa was informed he'd be back soon enough as long as he cleared waivers.
He took Bill Belichick and Co. at their word, and that's the way it unfolded.
