Patriots host three for workouts, including former Panthers running back Rodney Smith

Former Carolina Panthers running back Rodney Smith would be among three free agents in for workouts with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, as shared by Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed and SportsTalk 790’s Aaron Wilson.

Smith, 25, rushed for 29 touchdowns and amassed 5,441 all-purpose yards to set a program record at the University of Minnesota. The sixth-year Golden Gophers senior went undrafted in 2020 and spent his rookie season between Carolina’s practice squad and active roster. He was released from the scout team this October.

Through nine NFL games, Smith has totaled 156 rushing yards and a touchdown over 41 carries. He’s added 107 receiving yards over 14 catches.

New England also worked out offensive tackle Casey Tucker and guard Willie Wright to begin the week.

Tucker, 26, entered the league as a rookie free agent with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2019 and returned to the organization both in 2020 and 2021. Stints with the Detroit Lions and Indianapolis Colts were logged in between for the Arizona State transfer from Stanford.

Wright, 25, has been a member of the Cleveland Browns and Atlanta Falcons since going undrafted in 2019. The Tulsa product served as a standard elevation from the Atlanta practice squad in December and was waived in August.

The Patriots currently stand with an active roster of 51 and practice squad of 15.