The Patriots' addition of LaMont Jordan comes on the heels of previous reports
by Scout.com that the team was still interested in adding another running back.
Jordan became available on Friday when the Oakland Raiders opted to released
the seven-year veteran rather than have him report to camp.
The 5-foot-10, 230-pound Jordan spent the past three seasons in Oakland. Last
season he recorded 549 rushing yards on 144 carries with 3 touchdowns in 12
games. He also caught 28 passes for 247 yards.
Jordan entered the league when the New York Jets selected him in the second
round (49th overall) of the 2001 NFL Draft. After spending four years (2001-04)
in New York alongside Curtis Martin, Jordan secured a lucrative free agent deal
from the Raiders.
With Jordan on the roster the Patriots now have 7 running backs; Jordan, Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Kyle Eckel and Heath Evans.
The Patriots also released wide receiver Robert Ortiz to make room for Jordan
on the roster. Ortiz, a San Diego State product, was signed by New England on
May 15,2008. He was originally signed by the San Diego Chargers as an undrafted
rookie free agent May 4, 2006.