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Already having a good training camp, Washington Football Team running back Jaret Patterson turned some heads in the team’s preseason opener versus New England on Thursday.
The undrafted rookie free agent out of the University of Buffalo showed his versatility on multiple fronts within the WFT, potentially earning himself a spot on the final roster. His play drew praises from head coach Ron Rivera and star defensive end Chase Young after the game.
Stats
Patterson got plenty of run on Thursday, playing 27 snaps and making the most of them. He led the team in both rushing and receiving, taking 10 carries for 40 yards and catching four passes for 30 yards.
Analysis
Patterson made an imprint as both a runner and pass-catcher against the Patriots on Thursday and the screen pass play where he made a defender miss is something Washington will probably want to keep in their back pocket moving forward. That is how you make a roster as a UDFA.
Jaret Patterson with another nice play, coming back to the ball to make an impressive grab to pick up a 1st down. pic.twitter.com/qv4G5GT2c6
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 13, 2021
Nice work by UDFA Jaret Patterson making an unblocked defender miss as he cuts this run back on his way for a first down. pic.twitter.com/uAhyhlEZAY
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) August 13, 2021
Jaret Patterson 100% should make the team. pic.twitter.com/qVkfubSXf8
— Notorious Z (@DCzWall) August 13, 2021
Fantasy implications
Even if he makes the final 53-man roster, Patterson will be solidly behind Antonio Gibson, J.D. McKissic, and Peyton Barber on the depth chart to begin the season. However, he’s definitely someone to keep on your radar in season-long leagues for later in the fall when depth and attrition on rosters becomes an issue because of injuries .