4 Patriots players we want to see more of in 2nd preseason game

2. Pierre Strong, RB

Monday, the Patriots opted to sign veteran free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott to a one-year deal. Third-year pro Rhamondre Stevenson looked like he was in full control as the team's starting running back and would get the bulk of carries this season. But now, the Patriots have invested a good chunk into the former Cowboys running back.

Stevenson should still be the starter, at least for now, because Elliott's best days are behind him. But, what does that mean for the rest of the depth chart? Ty Montgomery looks like he's got the third down role locked down, unless Elliott chips into that.

Further back, though, is 2022 fourth-round pick Pierre Strong Jr. out of South Dakota State. Strong came into the league as an intriguing prospect with a lot of speed and potentially game-breaking ability. Yet, as a rookie, Strong was given just 10 carries on the season.

In the Patriots' first preseason game against Houston, Strong was given six carries and took them for a total of 21 yards with a long of eight. Now that he's firmly behind Elliott, Stevenson and even Montgomery, I want to see hiim get an extended look. Even if it's to ultimately take on a larger role in Year 3, he needs some experience and far more carries than he's received in his first year-plus.