Patriots Gridiron News: Rex Burkhead ‘excited’ to help backfield get better
With Rex Burkhead back in the mix, the New England Patriots backfield will get better, deeper and even more unpredictable.
It’s quite simple. If New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead can find a way to get healthy, he will be a factor.
After spending much of the 2018 NFL season on injured reserve due to a neck injury, the very versatile running back was activated early in the week and eager to get back in the mix. Predicted to have an impact in the Patriots’ offense this season, Burkhead is looking forward to getting back on the field this Sunday against the Minnesota Vikings.
"“Feels great. I’m looking forward to being back there on the field on Sunday, just being back with the team, practicing again and being around the guys,” Rex Burkhead said Thursday, via WEEI. “The past few weeks it’s been different, it’s been weird not being around everything. It just feels good.”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"
Along with the drafting of rooking running back Sony Michel, Burkhead was a reason the team parted ways with Dion Lewis. With his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, the veteran running back is the type of duel threat that works great in the Patriots offensive scheme.
The only problem is, he hasn’t been able to stay on the field. That has been the frustrating part for Burkhead, especially after signing a three-year deal with the team prior to the season.
"“It’s not fun. That’s for sure,” he said of battling the neck injury. “Something I’ve never really dealt with for that amount of time, but it puts things in perspective. It makes you appreciate your time on the football field and in the locker room with the guys. It makes you miss it for sure. Just really appreciate for every moment you have when you’re out there. I’m looking forward to when I can get back out there.”"
Burkhead only played in the first three games of this regular season, but he impressed last season when he was on the field. He showed an ability to be effective running and catching the ball. He ran for 264 yards and five touchdowns on 64 carries and hauled in 30 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He also had a couple key plays on special teams.
As a prototypical type of New England Patriots player, Rex Burkhead is “excited for sure” to get out there, especially against the type of challenge the Vikings present.
Gronkowski back on the injury report
Not so fast! A day after coming off the injury report for the first time in 27 days, New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski has landed back on the list due to those same ankle/back issues he has been dealing with all season.
According to Thursday’s injury report, Gronkowski was limited in practice as well as backup tight end Dwayne Allen, quarterback Tom Brady and defensive back Nate Ebner.
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Out of those players, Allen would be the player least likely to play on Sunday against the Vikings. Although Gronkowski is back on the list, he said he was feeling good and confident going into the Week 13 matchup.
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With Rob Gronkowski, of course, it is always worth monitoring as the back issue at this point appears to be more chronic in nature.