Professor

Maroney cleared for contact, expected to play Friday

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The return to health of running back Laurence Maroney could not have come at a better time for the New England Patriots.

The team has just 160 yards rushing in two preseason games, both losses, and is averaging 3.1 yards per carry.

Maroney, recovering from offseason shoulder surgery, practiced for a second straight day Tuesday without wearing the red "non-contact" jersey he wore for the first three weeks of camp. He is expected to make his preseason debut Friday at Carolina.

Game seasoning is critical for the second-year player who expected to be the team's primary back following the offseason release of Corey Dillon.

"You can't simulate game speed out there in practice, no matter how fast you go," he said. "I need the games."

The team's 2006 first-round draft pick, Maroney rushed for 745 yards as a rookie while sharing time with Dillon.

Maroney had 125 yards against Cincinnati in Week 4 and appeared poised for a big season. However, he battled injuries, did not run for more than 82 yards the rest of the season and averaged only 2.8 yards per carry in the playoffs.

"He's taken another step. He's a step closer," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He's closer to being ready to play now than he was a week ago. I know he's anxious to get in there and get some reps this week. I'm sure he'll get some."

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BeastJacobs

Here we go now! Let's explode onto the scene and own it.

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Justin

Let it be known that I have been swingin from Maroney's 6lb scrotum since day 1 of my arrival into FBF. The bandwagon is in motion and I am behind the wheel.

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patriotspride

you must be excited justin.you actually get to watch the games this year .

Justin

I love it man, I have friday off and its gonna be a good day. And when the Pats arent on there is usaly a Sox game. Basketball and hockey are around the corner. What more could you ask for?

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BeastJacobs

The only thing more that I could ask more is that our RB looks even more like LM. He's got Dreadlocks and everything. His stiff arm is brutal nearly snapped my neck with it. That's why I wear a Butterfly collar now.

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The-Hammer

Can't wait for this monster to obliterate the Jets in week 1.

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Beast!!

quitesanemax

I can't wait to see how Maroney does. Most Patriots fans won't say it, but he is one of the big questionmarks for the Patriots. Is he ready for prime time? Is he ready for the bulk of the carries? Will his shoulder hold up?

I have Maroney on one of my fantasy teams, so he better be ready!!

As for the Patriots, I suppose if he has trouble, they could always try and talk Dillon into coming back...

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Tedy Bruschi '05