By Bruce Allen, Patriots Daily Staff
Sammy Morris, when healthy, has been a solid and sometimes spectacular performer for the New England Patriots over the last three seasons. Entering the final year of the four year contract he signed prior to the 2007 season, the 33-year-old Morris is looking to get through this season healthy and productive with the hopes of getting another NFL contract.
Prior to coming to the Patriots, Morris toiled for the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. If this is his last season with the Patriots, it seems logical that he’ll be playing for the Jets 2011, if only to complete his tour of duty with all four AFC East clubs. He keeps a personal blog updated pretty frequently during the offseason – with no references to football.
Morris has been a versatile, hard-running back who can also block and catch the ball out of the backfield. The biggest problem he’s had with the team is being able to stay on the field. With the Patriots carrying three running backs over the age of 33 this season (Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk being the others) health will be a key for the Patriots running game this season.
But is it a sure thing that he will be on the roster this season? Could the team decide to use his roster spot on someone else?
The Patriots have not added a young running back to the roster, so with the three old guys, plus the inconsistent Laurence Maroney, it seems that the team will again try the running back by committee method, which actually has been pretty productive for them. Morris, if used correctly and healthy can still contribute to the club.
If the team were to pick up someone during camp who was cut by someone else, but considered an upgrade to Morris and he is deemed expendable. The other scenario would be if BenJarvus Green-Ellis takes a giant step forward and seizes the power back role from Morris.
Either scenario appears fairly unlikely at this point, so I think we’ll see him back on the club for the 2010 season.
Patriots Daily 
Bruce, you’ve brought up the conundrum for BB: he has to keep all the older running backs in case one of the older running backs gets hurt. As unexciting as it may be, it looks like Taylor, Maroney and Morris will split the power back duties until an injury arises.
Also, keep an eye out for Thomas Clayton as the Preseason MVP – he’ll lead the Pats in August rushing yards and messageboard props, guaranteed.
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I probably should’ve mentioned the possibility of the Patriots interest in BYU’s Harvey Unga as well. Christopher Price notes the Patriots attendance at his recent workout. He seems to be the best Supplemental Draft prospect in a while.
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