Shy of healthy running backs, the Patriots have reached a contract accord with veteran free agent fullback Heath Evans, released by the Miami Dolphins last week. Evans is expected to sign a one-year contract. The fifth-year veteran started all three games this year in which Miami used a formation that included a fullback. A former third-round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks (2001), Evans played his first four seasons in Seattle before departing for Miami in free agency. Corey Dillon, the Patriots' starting tailback, is nursing a sore ankle. Backups Patrick Pass (hamstring) and Amos Zereoue (thigh) also are ailing. Kevin Faulk, the Pats' standout third-down tailback, has missed been out more than a month with a foot injury.