Patriots Make It Official With Joseph Addai

The New England Patriots officially announced the signing of running back Joseph Addai on Thursday. The veteran running back spent the past six seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, playing a crucial role in many of the rivalry clashes with his new team. He started 11 games during a brutal 2011 season for Indianapolis, carrying the ball 118 times for 433 yards and one touchdown.

Addai joins a Patriots backfield that has no dominant starting presence, and he will have an opportunity to earn playing time alongside Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead. He has played in only 20 games over the past two seasons because of injury, but if he can stay healthy, he has a good chance to be the primary back. Along with Ryan Grant and Tim Hightower, the longtime Colts rusher was one of three veteran free-agent running backs to visit the Patriots this offseason.