Patriots gridiron news: More Sony Michel excitement & other Week 1 news
There is hope for Rex Burkhead in Week 1
Another running back New England Patriots haven’t seen in the preseason is Rex Burkhead.
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After signing a new three-year deal to remain with the Patriots, the versatile playmaker is expected to do big things in the 2018 season if his health holds up. While there were questions surrounding Burkhead and Sony Michel’s availability come the start of the season, the team’s decision to cut both Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden indicate there is confidence about the readiness of both players.
Despite missing a lot of time through training camp and the preseason, Rex Burkhead has been back on the practice field. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll see the field on Sunday against the Houston Texans, but Patriots running backs coach Ivan Fears certainly hopes so and believes he can make an impact whenever he does return.
"“Rex is a hard worker, man. Really, really hard worker,” Fears told the media on Sunday. “So it’s no doubt [once he’s done] rehabbing, I know that he’s going to come out and give you everything he’s got. He’s going to be ready to go.”"
Fears doesn’t make the ultimate decision about Burkhead playing against the Texans, but it’s clear he believes the multi-faceted running back is ready enough to play. If he does, it would take some of the pressure off the receiving group as Rex Burkhead has the ability to catching the ball out of the backfield and in the slot.