Patriots work out Hakeem Nicks, Isaiah Pead
Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Not even 24 hours after beating the Dallas Cowboys by 24 points, the New England Patriots were busy preparing for the next game. On Monday afternoon, the Patriots brought in Hakeem Nicks, Isaiah Pead and Nick Kasa for workouts.
Source: the Patriots worked out WR Hakeem Nicks. Nicks continues making the workout rounds.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 12, 2015
Two other players in for workouts today with Patriots: TE Nick Kasa (Colorado), RB Isaiah Pead (Cincinnati). Keeping emergency lists fresh.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 12, 2015
The Patriots haven’t suffered much in the way injuries on offense this season (knock on wood that continues to be the case), but it never hurts to prepare. Hosting a veteran wideout, running back and tight end covers the bases.
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Nicks is cast aside as a washed-up receiver these days, but he’s only 27 years of age. While it’s true that his glory years of 2010 and 2011 when he racked up 2,244 yards and 18 touchdowns are well behind him, Nicks could still provide benefit to a team. His stint with the Tennessee Titans this offseason was slashed before Week 1, and he’s been on the couch ever since.
That being said, there isn’t that much room for Nicks in the Patriots’ already-deep passing attack. Keshawn Martin got the nod ahead of Aaron Dobson in Week 5, and don’t forget that Brandon LaFell is readying for a return to the active lineup from the PUP list.
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One of the top running back prospects entering the 2012 NFL Draft, Pead hasn’t done much since being drafted by the St. Louis Rams with the 50th overall pick. He’s recorded 19 career carries for 78 yards in three years (he missed all of 2014 due to a torn ACL). When Todd Gurley became fully healed, it spelled the end of Pead’s time in St. Louis; he was released late last month.
Right now, Dion Lewis is all the rage in the Patriots’ receiving running back role. It’s hard to see Pead getting signed unless Lewis goes down with an injury.
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You’ve probably never heard of Kasa before. Since being drafted by the Raiders in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, the Colorado product has logged just one reception for nine yards, back in his rookie season. Again, an injury to a tight end may render Kasa useful, which is why the Pats are taking a look at him.