New England Patriots, Sony Michel dodge bullet: 3 short-term RB options

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots carries the football in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Sony Michel #26 of the New England Patriots carries the football in the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on October 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

Mike Gillislee

Along with Andre Ellington, there are some free agent options out there like Shane Vereen, Charcandrick West, Orleans Darkwa and Charles Sims.  But, one name out there that could be an instant fit is former New England Patriots running back Mike Gillislee.

After being released from the team in favor of Jeremy Hill, Gillislee was signed by the New Orleans Saints, but was cut a few weeks ago.  The team did have discussions with Gillislee when Rex Burkhead was placed on IR but decided to go with Kenjon Barner.

Of course, that was before Sony Michel’s injury.

With the size of both Barner and James White, the Patriots need a bigger back.  Gillislee definitely fits the mold and would have something to prove if given a second chance with the team.

In just nine games, Mike Gillislee carried the ball 104 times for 383 yards and five touchdowns for the New England Patriots in 2017.  Most of that production came in the first part of the year before ball security and injuries buried him on the running back depth chart.

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Out of all the options, Gillislee looks like the best option until either Sony Michel or Rex Burkhead are healthy and able to return to the field.