New England Patriots safety Devin McCourty touched on how encouraging it was to have fellow teammate James White return to practice Wednesday.
The Patriots were in the absence of the 28-year-old running back in the last two games due to a car accident that killed his father and left his mother with serious injuries (via NBC Sports Boston).
Devin McCourty on @SweetFeet_White's return to practice today:
"He inspires the guys in this locker room by just showing up today and he'll inspire the rest of this region who supports him." pic.twitter.com/NDjKnHCpI8
— NBC Sports Boston's Patriots Coverage (@NBCSPatriots) September 30, 2020
White's absence has been deeply felt by his teammates, often leading them to dedicating touchdowns to the halfback. In his only appearance this season against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, White rushed for 22 yards from five carries. He also caught all three of his targeted passes for 30 yards. He's coming off a 2018 season in which he averaged a total of 263 rushing yards from 67 carries.
Fellow halfback Sony Michel has taken on the additional slack in White's departure. He leads the team in rushing yards with a total of 173 through the first three games. Having a run-savvy quarterback in Cam Newton has also helped the Patriots in the lack of running backs. Newton is second in rushing on the team with 149 yards.
White will more than likely be available ahead of the Patriots Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where it'll be all hands on deck for the Patriots. Hopefully, White's appearance at practice does lift the morale of the team past that of the Chiefs. He'll be needed more than likely to shake up a Patriots offense that is sure to see quite a few tricks from a top-tier defense in the Chiefs.
The Patriots will travel to Arrowhead Stadium Sunday, hopefully carrying over their momentum from a 36-20 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
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