Bryce Brown reportedly works out for Patriots

Two days before their AFC East showdown with Buffalo, the Patriots have invited a former Bills player in for a visit.

New England on Friday staged a workout for running back Bryce Brown, per ESPN.com's Mike Reiss.

Brown was released by the Bills earlier this week after failing to rise up the depth chart. He made little impact in Buffalo after landing with the team through a draft-week trade with the Eagles prior to last season.

The Patriots already have five runners on the roster with LeGarrette Blount ticketed for early down work and Dion Lewis looking like a steal on passing downs. Brandon Bolden, James White and Travaris Cadet fill out the group, but Brown remains an intriguing player.

Despite just 126 yards off 36 carries with the Bills, Brown ran for 4.6 yards per tote in limited action over 32 games with Philadelphia. He memorably plowed for 347 yards in back-to-back starts in 2012, but also struggled to hold onto the ball.

Just 24 years old, Brown likely will land a job sooner than later if the Patriots pass him by.