{"id":53831,"date":"2018-11-26T21:16:55","date_gmt":"2018-11-27T02:16:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lwosonnfl.ms.lastwordonsports.com\/?p=53831"},"modified":"2018-11-27T11:50:29","modified_gmt":"2018-11-27T16:50:29","slug":"return-of-rex-burkhead-will-boost-new-england-patriots-rushing-corps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/nfl\/2018\/11\/26\/return-of-rex-burkhead-will-boost-new-england-patriots-rushing-corps\/","title":{"rendered":"Return of Rex Burkhead Boosts New England Patriots Rushing Corps"},"content":{"rendered":"

In case you haven’t noticed, the New England Patriots<\/a> running back corps has taken their fair share of lumps over the season. Jeremy Hill<\/a><\/strong>, Rex Burkhead<\/a><\/strong> and Sony Michel<\/a><\/strong> all sustained serious injuries. Hill is out until next year with a torn ACL, Burkhead landed on injured reserve after sustaining a neck injury against the Detroit Lions, and\u00a0a nasty injury against the New York Jets<\/a> nearly sidelined Michel for the remainder of the year (until some mystery miracle ointment revived him<\/a>). That left James White<\/a><\/strong> as the team’s most reliable running back for most of the season. However, Burkhead has officially been activated from injured reserve<\/a>, meaning he’ll likely see playing time when the Patriots take on the Minnesota Vikings<\/a>. His return will undoubtedly help lighten the load that White and Michel have shared.<\/p>\n

Rex Burkhead’s Return Will Boost New England Patriots Rushing Corps<\/h1>\n

Burkhead re-signed with the Patriots and was eager to follow up on last year’s career-high season. Much like White, Burkhead proved his mettle with distinct abilities to run the ball straight up the middle and serve as a handy pass-catching back. He recorded five rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns last season, combining for 518 total yards. He was very plainly a tough, valuable player throughout the year even though he only started in 10 games.<\/p>\n

But that’s always been Burkhead’s flip side: He’s prone to injuries that sideline him for part of the season. In fact, he’s only played two full seasons since entering the league – neither of which have been with the Patriots. How useful can he really be if he’s only able to contribute sometimes and not all the time?<\/p>\n

The Patriots Need a Back Like Burkhead<\/h2>\n

Turns out, even as a part-time contributor Burkhead is still of great use<\/a> to the Patriots. Michel has done well in Burkhead’s place, but he too is injury prone. Burkhead has been the closest thing they have to a power back since LeGarrette Blount<\/a><\/strong>. While Michel is well on his way to claiming that role, Burkhead’s return will help ease Michel’s workload. Considering the team had all but exhausted their rushing options – even utilizing wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson<\/a><\/strong> in the position at one point – any depth at running back will be vital to the team’s future.<\/p>\n

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Rex Burkhead is back at practice. He\u2019s the Patriots\u2019 second IR player designated for return (means Eric Rowe is done for the year). Burkhead cannot play until Week 13 vs. the Vikings.<\/p>\n

— Kevin Duffy (@KevinRDuffy) November 8, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n