Projo Pats Blog

BY JIM DONALDSON
Journal Sports Writer

SAN DIEGO -- As the first-round draft choice of the Patriots in 2006, Laurence Maroney can't yet be described as a bust, but he's certainly been a disappointment.

Neither his durability, nor his productivity, has been what is expected of a running back taken with the 21st pick overall.

For the second time this year, Maroney is on the inactive list for Sunday night's game with the Chargers. He also sat out the Miami game three weeks ago in Foxboro.

That continues a disturbing trend. He sat out three games last year in October, and had three other games in which he carried the ball less than 10 times.

In the three games he has played this year, he has gained a total of just 93 yards, on 28 attempts, and has yet to catch a pass. He looked tentative last Sunday against the 49ers, stutter-stepping toward the line of scrimmage, rather than blasting into the hole. He carried 10 times for only 26 yards. His longest run was for just five yards.

With Lamont Jordan also on the inactive list, Sammy Morris will handle the brunt of the ball-carrying chores tonight, while Kevin Faulk will play primarily in passing situations -- although Faulk did run for two TDs against the 49ers.

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