The New England Patriots are off to a slow start to the 2018 season after dropping the last two games to fall to 1-2.
Things have become a little more difficult as the team has announced that both starting running back Rex Burkhead and rookie linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley have been placed on injured reserve. Running back Kenjon Barner and defensive end John Simon have been signed in corresponding moves.
This puts the Patriots in a tough spot on both sides of the ball. Burkhead has been a highly valuable piece to the puzzle in his brief time with the franchise, proving to be a strong asset out of the backfield as a dual-threat option as a runner and receiver. He didn't start the 2018 season all that well, but he does lead the team with 86 rushing yards on 24 carries along with three catches for 31 receiving yards.
However, Burkhead suffered a neck injury in the second half of Sunday's 26-10 loss to the Detroit Lions that forced him out of the game and now for the next couple of months. Prior to this ailment, Burkhead had been dealing with a tear in his knee he said he would be playing through for the 2018 campaign, so this time away could allow for that injury to heal. James White and rookie Sony Michel will vie for the starting job, with Barner now also in the fold for depth.
Bentley was putting together a solid start to his rookie year with 14 total tackles and an interception that was ingraining him as a key piece in their front seven. There is no clarity on what type of injury he is dealing with, but it is a notable loss that leaves a hole at the linebacker spot.
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