New England Patriots: What Lamar Miller practicing means for team
By Sam Minton
On Monday, Lamar Miller practiced with the New England Patriots for the first time signaling that he is off the Physically Unable to Perform list.
The signing of Lamar Miller was intriguing to New England Patriots fans. It signaled that New England was content with the group that currently made up the roster.
Sony Michel was injured and coming off a mediocre season in 2019. Also, New England is entering a new era with Tom Brady gone and Cam Newton taking over.
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But Patriots fans haven’t seen Miller up until Monday. He was recovering after tearing his ACL last season.
On Monday, Miller practiced for the first time and this could have some interesting ramifications for the final roster.
Miller is well known to Patriots fans. He spent the majority of his career with the Dolphins down in Miami. Miller had one of the best seasons of his career there.
In 2014, Miller had over 200 carries for 1,099 yards and eight touchdowns. Miller also had 38 receptions for 275 yards and a touchdown.
Miller seems to be the perfect running back for Newton. Of course, New England has James White, but Miller will be a great asset.
It looks like Miller will be ready in some form for Week One. Practicing this week will ensure he is apart of the Patriots gameplan.
Now of course White and Michel will be major parts of the offense. This leaves Rex Burkhead and undrafted free agent J.J. Taylor battling for snaps and maybe even a roster spot.
Notice that Damien Harris isn’t mentioned. He has been great in camp and seems like his roster spot is guaranteed. New England Patriots fans should finally see what Harris is made of.
The most likely scenario is that Burkhead gets the playing time and Taylor ends up on the practice squad.
Still, Taylor has been really impressive so far in practice. If he is doing as good as reports say he is, it’s hard to see him not getting some sort of playing time.
Next. Don’t rule Jarrett Stidham out as Week 1 starter. dark
So it looks like someone might lose a roster spot thanks to Miller being active. The question is will it be Burkhead or Taylor?