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Patriots bring back running back LeGarrette Blount

Running back LeGarrette Blount played in 11 games for the Steelers this season and had 65 carries for 266 yards.AP

FOXBOROUGH — A Patriots offense that finally unleashed a power running attack in its last game followed it up with a power move on Thursday.

LeGarrette Blount, who bulldozed his way to almost 1,000 rushing yards last season for the Patriots, signed a two-year deal and practiced with the team. The unexpected transaction came two days after Blount was given his release by the Pittsburgh Steelers, which came one day after Blount left the field while Monday night's game was still being played, apparently unhappy with his diminishing role.

Blount didn't explain his departure from Monday's game or his failed, abbreviated stint with the Steelers, since he wasn't available to the media or even spotted in the locker room after practice. But Blount's return was certainly welcomed by his new — or would that be old? — teammates.

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"It's like he never left," tight end Rob Gronkowski said.

Added defensive tackle Vince Wilfork: "Hopefully he'll be able to help us. He knows what we do around here, so hopefully he'll pick up where he left off."

Even the player who might be most affected by the signing seemed happy to have Blount back.

"I think it's going to be something good for us," said running back Jonas Gray, who rushed for 201 yards and four touchdowns in last Sunday's 42-20 road win over the Colts.

"I think for us, what we do, what we want to do, as far as long term, and when these cold-weather games start coming up, I think it's going to help. He's a great guy to learn from, too, and I think that we're both going to motivate each other."

Or complement each other, should the Patriots elect to rely on a smashmouth, between-the-tackles running game. That would seem to suit Blount and Gray perfectly, as they are similar in size (Blount weighs 250 pounds, Gray 230) and share a physical, downhill running style.

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Having a pair of power backs running behind an improving offensive line could go a long way the last third of the regular season and into the playoffs, especially when the weather turns cold and nasty, making passing conditions more challenging.

Led by Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, and Gronkowski, the Patriots have been known for their passing prowess, with Brady averaging 310 yards during the team's six-game win streak. But if they can be effective running the ball, it gives the offense a vastly different component, one that's dangerous and potentially game-changing.

After watching his team run for a season-high 244 yards against the Colts, coach Bill Belichick hinted at all the possible offensive options, saying, "Fellas, we can play a lot of different ways, whatever we need to do, if we just know what we're doing, work at it, and concentrate and do it. That's what it's going to take."

Blount, oddly wearing No. 60 during practice, returns to the place where he spent a very successful 2013 season. Blount rushed for 772 yards in the regular season, then added 172 in the playoffs. The combined 944 yards led the team, with Blount becoming the featured back late in the season.

He had 189 rushing yards in the regular-season finale, then had 166 yards and a franchise playoff-record four touchdowns in the home playoff win over the Colts.

Now the bruising back returns to Foxborough, at the exact moment when the Patriots seem to be embracing their power running game.

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"You've got to scratch where it itches a little bit," said left tackle Nate Solder. "When something starts working, you kind of go with it. I'm not sure we expect to do that, but whatever situation comes up on Sunday, if it's working, we've got to keep rolling with it."

Running the ball on Sunday figures to be difficult for the Patriots, because the Detroit Lions lead the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed per game, at 68.8. It could be the kind of game where the Patriots choose to move the ball primarily with the pass. But knowing that they've had success on the ground — even before signing Blount — has to help, and keep the Lions honest.

"It's huge, especially this time of year with the cold," said Michael Hoomanawanui, who is used primarily as a blocking tight end. "[Passes] don't fly how people want them to, and it's definitely a huge part of the game.

"It's real football now, so we're excited that it's clicking for us, and we've got to keep that going."

Added another key run blocker, fullback James Develin: "It's always good to be able to run the ball late in the year, when the weather changes and throwing the ball doesn't seem as appealing. It's nice to have a game like last week, to let us know that we have it, we can draw off that and build on it."

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Most of that was the work of Gray, who carried the ball 37 times, the most by a Patriots running back since Curtis Martin's franchise-record 40 rushing attempts in 1997. The rushes, yards, and touchdowns were all career bests for Gray, landed him on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. Days later, the team signed someone who might take some of those carries and rushing yards away from him.

Any surprise or bitterness at the roster move, Jonas?

"No, I never get into questioning what the coaches do," said Gray. "I believe in the system, it's worked for me. I believe in the Patriot way, it's worked for a long time.

"I wasn't necessarily surprised. In this business, not a whole lot surprises me, especially given where I've come from. I just prepare the same way. It doesn't really matter who we sign or who we bring here. I believe in Bill and whatever he's doing.

"I just go with whatever the game plan is. Even if he wasn't here, you never know what your opportunity is going to look like. You know me, I'm preparing the same way I always prepare, and when my number's called I'm going to execute."

Gray said he has watched film of Blount in the past, and noticed that when defenders went low to try to bring the big back down, Blount would simply leap over them. It's something Gray has tried to incorporate into his own game.

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Now they're teammates again (Gray was signed by the Patriots on Jan. 8, and would have practiced with Blount for less than two weeks, during the playoffs). Perhaps together, they'll help take the Patriots to new heights on the ground. With what Blount did last season and what Gray did last week, the foundation appears to be there.

"Each and every week, you'd like to think that you're able to do that and you have enough confidence in your running game," said Hoomanawanui. "Sunday night we were able to get it going, kind of like last year [with Blount]. It's a new year, and we can only hope to have the same results that we got last year."

Related:

Steelers release running back LeGarrette Blount

On Football: Robert Kraft predicted big night for Jonas Gray

Christopher L. Gasper: Patriots good even when Tom Brady isn't at his best

Victory over Colts gives Patriots huge advantage in playoff race


Michael Whitmer can be reached at mwhitmer@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @GlobeWhitmer.