FOXBOROUGH — The possible addition of free agent running back Steven Jackson generated plenty of buzz throughout the week, but two other move could pay dividends for the New England Patriots as the playoffs loom.
The Pats claimed wide receiver Leonard Hankerson off waivers from Atlanta, and also nabbed offensive tackle LaAdrian Waddle off waivers from Detroit. Both provide depth at thin positions.
Asked about Hankerson Friday, Bill Belichick said, "It's not that frequent that you see players like that available at this time of year, so we claimed him."
Hankerson, the No. 2 receiver for the Falcons earlier this year, suffered a hamstring injury in Week 7 and never seemed to get healthy.