Source: Mike Reiss, Boston Globe In San Diego, running back LaDainian Tomlinson will not play a snap in the preseason, a decision designed to protect one of the Chargers' most valuable assets. Might the Patriots take the same approach with Laurence Maroney? If they do, Maroney doesn't believe it will affect him come the regular season. "I can definitely say I'd be ready to go if I didn't play in the preseason," he said. The thought sheds light on one of the more important subplots through the first 21 practices of Patriots training camp: the management of Maroney's health.
I would completely agree with this, why risk your star RB going down. I.E. Clinton Portis. The Pats need him to be successful this season, let his back-ups tear an ACL against some Middle Tennesse State 2nd string LB who is dying to make the squad.
I really like Maroney's game. Rushing him would be the worst thing they could do. This team is built to go deep in the playoffs and they need him healthy and ready.