Patriots news: Running back Jeremy Hill out for season with torn ACL

The New England Patriots and head coach Bill Belichick are known for using a running back by committee approach, but one piece of that unit has already been lost for the season. According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, Jeremy Hill tore his ACL in New England's Week 1 victory over the Houston Texans, ending his season.

Hill had four carries for 24 yards before leaving the game, injuring his right knee when fullback James Develin crashed into him following a fumble by tight end Rob Gronkowski.

With Hill out for the rest of the year, New England will rely on the other three running backs on the roster. Rex Burkhead was already the primary ball-carrier for the Patriots, with James White taking on a bigger role on passing downs. Rookie Sony Michel should also return to action shortly after missing the preseason following a knee procedure.

New England could promote rookie Ralph Webb from the practice squad, especially if Michel is out another week or the other backs get banged up..

Hill spent the first four years of his career with the Cincinnati Bengals, forming a tough running back duo with Giovani Bernard. He rushed for 1,124 yards as a rookie and averaged nearly 10 rushing touchdowns a season over his first three years in the league, but last year rookie Joe Mixon took over the bulk of the carries. Hill finished 2017 with just 116 yards while playing in seven games before going on injured reserve with an ankle injury.

Rather than let the bad news get him down, Hill took to Twitter shortly after Sunday's game with a positive message ahead of yet another rehab stint.