The New England Patriots will begin their quest for their back-to-back title without their starting running back. Due to his arrest last summer for marijuana possession and for violating the league's substance abuse policy, LeGarrette Blount will miss the regular season opener. He will also lose one game check for the suspension.
Blount is expected to be named the starter for the Patriots. Jonas Gray is most likely to start in place of Blount for the first game. Blount was arrested while he was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. At the time of his arrest, current Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell was also with Blount. Bell, who was operating a vehicle when stopped with police, was also arrested and charged with DUI. Under league policy, Bell is expected to be suspended for two games, but his suspension has not been announced yet.
Blount joined New England for the final five games of the season after Pittsburgh released him. With the Pats, Blount rushed for 281 yards and three touchdowns. In the playoffs, Blount rushed for 189 yards and scored three times.
