The New England Patriots are getting some much-needed help at the running back position. After landing the short-term injured reserve, six-year NFL veteran Rex Burkhead is back on the 53-man roster. In a corresponding move, the Patriots have released offensive lineman Matt Tobin. ESPN’s Field Yates first broke the news
Source: the Patriots have activated RB Rex Burkhead to the 53-man roster. He can play this Sunday.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) November 26, 2018
Rex Burkhead Returns to Active Roster
Burkhead landed on the injured reserve after Week Three against the Detroit Lions. The second-year Patriots running back suffered a neck injury and battle through injuries for the early part of the season. However, he was always expected to return and should make his season debut this upcoming Sunday.
Burkhead’s return doesn’t come as a surprise, as he returned to practice back on Novemeber 8th. However, NFL rules mandated Burkhead not return to the field until Week 13, so New England waited to activate him to the roster.
Burkhead first entered the league as an undrafted free agent of the Cincinnati Bengals. Primarily a special teamer, Burkhead spent four years in Cincinnati, recording 375 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 87 carries. He also showed promise in the passing game, recording 34 receptions for 288 yards and one touchdown.
Burkhead first joined the Patriots on a one-year contract in 2017. During his first year with New England, Burkhead recorded 264 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 64 carries. Additionally, Burkhead recorded an additional 254 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 30 receptions.
Matt Tobin initially entered the league as undrafted free agent for the Philadelphia Eagles back in 2013. Tobin spent the better part of his first four years as a backup in Philadelphia before joining the Seattle Seahawks for the 2017 season. After one year in Seattle, Tobin signed a one-year with the Patriots prior to training camp. Tobin initially didn’t make the team but joined after a series of injuries to the Patriots offense.
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