White wants to carry the load
Injuries limit backfield depth
FOXBORO — James White is ready for an increased workload tomorrow against the Dolphins.
White has been trending toward three-down status because of injuries and depth issues at running back. The Patriots lost free agent Jeremy Hill to a knee injury in the season opener and Rex Burkhead went into the concussion protocol after the Week 2 loss at Jacksonville. He was cleared to play against the Lions, only to suffer a neck injury and land on injured reserve.
The mounting injuries leave White, first-round draft pick Sony Michel and fullback James Develin as coach Bill Belichick’s options out of the backfield. The Patriots are ranked 20th in the NFL in rushing.
“I’m ready for whatever the coaches ask me to do,” White said. “If it is one snap or 60 snaps, you prepare hard in practice and be ready for any moment because you never know how the game is going to go for any of us.”
The Patriots added depth by re-signing Kenjon Barner. He has little to show for his six NFL seasons, but White feels the former All-America from Oregon has the skills to bolster the run game.
“It gets thrown at you fast and there is a lot to learn in a short amount of time,” White said. “He’s competing, taking some extra time to get better.
“He’s super fast with quick feet and he can catch and block and whatever he needs to do. He will be a good help for us.”
Taming Tannehill
Belichick cited a laundry list of ways Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill could cause problems for the Patriots defense.
Tannehill was the architect of Miami’s three close wins over the Titans, Jets and Raiders through proper use of his receivers and audibles at the line of scrimmage.
Tannehill has completed 54-of-74 passes for 687 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions. The seven-year pro out of Texas A&M has a stellar 121.8 passer rating.
Former Patriots slot receiver Danny Amendola leads the Dolphins with 11 receptions while outside burners Jakeem Grant and Kenny Stills have combined for 18 catches, 319 yards and five touchdowns.
“(Tannehill) does everything well,” Belichick said. “He makes good decisions, gets the ball to his skills players and he makes key plays in close games and helps them win.
“The bottom line is he gets his team to the winner’s circle, that’s what he does a lot of.”
Shine the Light
Belichick broke from his analysis of the Dolphins to speak about former left tackle Matt Light, who will be inducted in Patriots Hall of Fame today.
The ceremony will begin at 4 p.m. at NRG Plaza next to the Patriots Hall of Fame.
Light played 11 seasons for the Pats (2001-11) after being drafted in the second round (48th overall) out of Purdue in 2001.
Light protected the blind sides of quarterbacks Drew Bledsoe, Tom Brady and Matt Cassel during his tenure. He enjoyed 11 straight winning seasons that included nine division championships, five conference titles and three Super Bowl victories. He is the 27th player voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.
“I’ve talked a lot about Matt Light to our players,” Belichick said. “Matt had a great career and he worked hard and was a really tough kid mentally and physically.
“He had a lot of other qualities but those two were outstanding.”
Catching up
Belichick said wide receiver Josh Gordon was making progress acclimating to the Patriots system but was noncommittal about his availability for tomorrow . . . .
Belichick had high praise for the disruptive presence veteran defensive tackle Lawrence Guy brings to the table. Guy platoons with Adam Butler but has distinguished himself with 14 tackles and two quarterback hurries.