Patriots gridiron news: Kenny Britt a key piece to the wide receiver puzzle

New England Patriots wide receiver Kenny Britt has yet to hit the field this preseason, but his presence could be the key to team’s offensive success.

If the New England Patriots are depending on the success of Kenny Britt, the team could very well be in trouble.

Even with the greatness of Tom Brady throwing the ball, the lack of dependency as far as depth the team has at the wide receiver position is a bit concerning.

There is Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and then a cluster of question marks and hopefuls.

Will Philip Dorsett finally take the next step as a receiver?  Will Cordarrelle Patterson find his way as a playmaker? Can veteran wide receiver Eric Decker catch on in the offense and contribute?  Will either Braxton Berrios or Riley McCarron morph into the next version of Wes Welker?

Finally, will Britt find a way to mimic the 1,000-yard season he had with the Los Angeles Rams in 2016?

Well, that all depends on health and commitment.

So far, the veteran receiver has been battling a hamstring injury that has him frustrated, but still hopeful that he can have a successful 10^th season in the NFL for a team like the New England Patriots.

Starting the summer on the physically unable to perform list, Kenny Britt has had to hold in that frustration and just keep a smile on his face.

"“I can’t go out there looking sad or miserable.  That’s no good for anybody.  But that’s just my personality,” Britt said, via Patriots.com.  “I definitely feel like I’m behind, because I’m not out there with the guys, getting the chemistry I need with the quarterbacks, and getting on the same page with everyone.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"

With the wide receiver position being as thin as it is, Britt’s setback as caused a sense of urgency, especially since he needs to find that chemistry and trust with Tom Brady.  Another reason for the urgency is the size and talent Britt possesses.  At 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, his is a big, outside target the offense could use.

So, while he doesn’t come with high expectations, Kenny Britt is a key to how the New England Patriots offense fuels this season.  As long as there is a Brady, A Rob Gronkowski and a Julian Edelman (eventually), the passing game will be fine, but if Britt gets healthy and finds a way to put it all together, that outside threat he provides will definitely be a nice addition.

Right now, however, he just needs to do what he has to do to get back out there on the field.

"“I’m doing what’s manageable right now.  Doing what [the medical staff and coaches] ask me to do and doing what I can.  I’ll be out there when I can.  I miss every bit of it.  The best place for me is out there on the field,” Britt said.  “That’s my peace, that’s where I want to be, and, of course, I want to be out there with the guys…just taking it a day at a time, doing all the workouts they’re giving me.”"

One encouraging thing about Britt is he is starting to sound like a Patriot.

Rex Burkhead returns to practice 

While Kenny Britt is working his way back to the practice field, the New England Patriots received some good news Sunday when running back Rex Burkhead returned to the field for the first time since August 8.

Burkhead, who has been sidelined with a minor knee tear, is expected to play a major role in the team’s backfield, especially with first-round pick Sony Michel also nursing a knee ailment.  His return is a good sign for his availability for the season opener against the Houston Texans.

While Burkhead did return, other notable players who were missing on the practice field include offensive lineman Marcus Cannon and linebacker Harvey Langi.

Michel was also absent, but is still expected to be back and ready once the New England Patriots enter the 2018 regular season.