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.
It’s all about Sony Michel
After suffering his own knee injury during training camp, rookie first round pick Sony Michel will have more of a workload now that Jeremy Hill is lost for the season.
Although he has yet to make his New England Patriots debut, the expectations placed on the Georgia Bulldogs product has now increased now that the team’s running back depth has dwindled.
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Michel has been practicing with the team but was inactive for the team’s Week 1 matchup against the Houston Texans. Hill’s injury now may force the Patriots to rush Michel back quicker than they wanted to.
There is no guarantee New Patriots fans will see the dynamic running back against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 2, but it won’t be shocking if he is active and gets a few touches.
In an interview with NESN’s Zack Cox, running backs coach Ivan Fears revealed that he does see a healthy Sony Michel ready to contribute.
"“He was progressing well,” Fears said. “I was really happy when we got the pads on and I got to see him run a little bit. It looks like he’s going to be what we expected him to be. Unfortunately, we didn’t get too long into it before he got hurt, but I expect him to come back ready to go.”"
Though it would be great to have Michel back in the mix, the New England Patriots are being careful with their first-round pick. With his history of knee issues, they don’t want to rush him back into action too quickly, even though they may be forced to.
The signing of Kenjon Barner could give them a couple more weeks to get Michel ready unless there is another injury in the running back group.
Speaking of Kenjon Barner
With the team’s running back depth suddenly in question, the New England Patriots are expected to sign running back Kenjon Barner, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss via Twitter.
This is an interesting move considering the team could’ve promoted undrafted rookie Ralph Webb from the practice squad. Although that is a move the team could still make, adding Barner does give him a veteran with experience and also a player they could use on special teams as a punt returner.
The 28-year-old running back is most known for his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Last season with the defending champions, he returned 27 punts for 240 yards. That will most likely be his niche with the Patriots although he does have a career 4.1 yards per carry average rushing the ball. In 77 overall attempts, he has 317 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
Kenjon Barner can also catch the ball out of the backfield, which could also be an attraction.
Overall, the veteran running back fills a current need that could be re-addressed as the season progresses.