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Patriots gridiron news: Jeremy Hill’s loss rushes Sony Michel into action

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Jeremy Hill #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Jeremy Hill #33 of the New England Patriots carries the ball against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) /

The New England Patriots started off the 2018 season with a win, but loss promising running back Jeremy Hill in the process.

There were many reasons to believe in Jeremy Hill this upcoming season.  Following a strong summer in his first year with the New England Patriots, the veteran running back saw his big role aspirations dashed in the opening game.

Wearing No. 33, Hill looked ready to contribute in a big way for the Patriots.  Unfortunately, a second half fumble by Rob Gronkowski, turned into a season-ending injury for Hill who suffered an ACL tear when teammate James Develin rolled into his knee during the offensive turnover.

Although Hill was positive after he learned his fate, it can only be disappointing for a player who did his all to return back to the player he was just a couple seasons ago when he led the Cincinnati Bengals in rushing yards.

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick echoed that disappointment in a conference call with the media on Tuesday afternoon.

"“We didn’t have too much choice on it with the nature of the injury,” Belichick said regarding placing Hill on IR. “Of course, it is disappointing for him and for our team. Jeremy worked hard. He embraced his role offensively and in the kicking game — really showed a lot of improvement over the course of the spring and into training camp and opening day. Gave us a couple of big runs there before the half last week to get us started on the two-minute drive. We’re obviously disappointed for him, but he’s a tough kid. He will work hard and I am sure he will be back. In the meantime, we won’t have him.”"

The Patriots made a roster move Tuesday by signing running back Kenjon Barner, but more emphasis is now placed on the health and status of first-round pick Sony Michel.  The promising rookie has yet to touch the field for the Patriots in live game action but has been practicing with the team.

The loss of Jeremy Hill also places more weight on the shoulder of Rex Burkhead as the team’s lead back.  Burkhead touched the ball 18 times for 64 yards in the team’s 27-20 win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

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