FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots showed interest in two free-agent running backs Thursday after placing Dion Lewis on injured reserve earlier this week.

The Patriots worked out Robert Turbin and Pierre Thomas, according to a source. Turbin was released by the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday. Thomas also was cut Tuesday after only one game with the San Francisco 49ers.

Turbin, 25, was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He has 249 career rushing attempts for 988 yards and also has caught 45 passes for 435 yards with two touchdowns. He was cut by the Seahawks and claimed off waivers by the Browns on Sept. 10.

Turbin carried the ball just 18 times for 60 yards in three games with the Browns.

Thomas, 30, originally signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent out of Illinois in 2007. He spent eight seasons with New Orleans before being released in March. He went unsigned until the 49ers picked him up Nov. 3.