Patriots sign Steven Jackson: 5 Ripple effects

David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Ripple Effect #4 – Joey Iosefa will have to work for carries

In Week 15, Iosefa was the only member of the Patriots’ backfield that you could classify as a power back. James White makes his living catching the ball, and Bolden may be a solid back but he is by no means a snowplow.

Week 15 Stock Watch: Iosefa up, Ryan down

As a result, Iosefa carried the ball 14 times for 51 yards, including a punishing 15-yard run which left Tennessee Titans’ cornerback Coty Sensabaugh on the ground and looking for answers. Weighing in at 245 pounds, Iosefa looked and played like LeGarrette Blount as much as the Patriots could have asked for on Sunday.

But now that a future Hall of Famer is in the mix, Iosefa figures to see fewer carries. That is, if he’s even active on game day roster. It’s quite possible that the Patriots will demote Iosefa to make room for Jackson on the 53-man roster. It all depends on the game plan, of course.

Next: 3. White will barely ever take a handoff