The New England Patriots have been bitten by the injury bug during training camp and in the preseason, and another key member of their backfield is battling an ailment. Fortunately, it is apparently not as serious as it sounds.
Veteran running back Rex Burkhead did not play in Thursday night’s preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports that he is dealing with a slight tear in his knee. However, he should be good to go for Week 1.
With Rex Burkhead, I’ve been told there’s a good chance he could have played through his minor injury if this were a regular-season game. Knowing his value to the offense, the Pats have opted to take an extremely cautious path this week.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 16, 2018
More clarity: Burkhead is dealing with a slight tear in his knee, but it’s been deemed a minor injury and something he’ll be able to play through. Since it’s the preseason, maintenance takes the priority over everything else.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 17, 2018
Patriots rookie Sony Michel, whom the team drafted in the first round, is also nursing a knee injury. The former Georgia star had a cleanup procedure earlier this month and he, too, is expected to be cleared in time for the regular season.
Burkhead should be a big part of New England’s running game this year with Dion Lewis no longer in the picture, and the Patriots have already lost one key offensive player for the season due to a preseason injury. Playing it safe over the next few weeks makes plenty of sense.
