The New England Patriots have made eight roster transactions since the first official practice of training camp on Aug. 12.
Among them came the signing of veteran running back Lamar Miller.
And ahead of Wednesday’s shorts-and-shells session, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick addressed the former Houston Texan and Miami Dolphin’s arrival.
“Well, I think there’s going to be a lot of player movement in the early part of training camp, and I think you see a dozen or so transactions every day throughout the league,” Belichick told reporters during his video conference call. “Our roster was at one point down around 75 maybe, somewhere in there, 74 or 75. I can’t remember, but it was significantly below the 80-man roster limit. So, if we can add quality and depth to our team, then we’ll do that.”
Miller, 29, suffered a torn ACL last preseason and currently resides on New England’s physically unable to perform list alongside fellow running back Sony Michel, who is working back from foot surgery.
In turn, Damien Harris, Rex Burkhead, James White and undrafted rookie J.J. Taylor make up the depth chart of rushers practicing in shadows of Gillette Stadium.
“Of course, you know Lamar missed the season last year and is coming off last year’s injury, so we’ll see how that goes,” Belichick said. “But hopefully he’ll be able to work his way back onto the field, and we’ll see where he’s at.”
Miller’s one-year deal with the Patriots includes a $1.05 million base salary with $200,000 guaranteed, Field Yates of ESPN reported last week. An additional $1.5 million is available by way of incentives for the University of Miami Product.
A Pro Bowler in 2018, Miller had averaged 1,189 yards and 6.5 touchdowns from scrimmage per season since becoming a full-time NFL starter in 2013.