According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the New England Patriots expect to play both Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel in Week 2. They have both been banged up, but appear to be in good enough shape to play.
Patriots' first-round pick Sony Michel expected to make his NFL debut today, back from a knee injury, per league source.
Patriots' RB Rex Burkhead (concussion) also likely to play vs. Jaguars, but still needs to clear pre-game warmups without any setbacks.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2018
The Patriots were triumphant in their close 27-20 victory over the Houston Texans in Week 1. Burkhead was their leading rusher, carrying the ball 18 times for 64 yards. While he is considered the team's top option, Michel will be showing what he's got against the Jacksonville Jaguars this week.
Michel was drafted No. 31 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft out of Georgia. The Patriots haven't selected a running back in the last three years, so they clearly expect a lot out of him. He led the SEC in yards per carry last year at 7.9. In his senior season, he rushed for 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns. This was while he was sharing the backfield with Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb.
His experience as a kick returner will only add to his value. His receiving skills are a work in progress, but he has shown that he can be effective while splitting carries. Even with the addition of Michel, the Patriots will probably still use utilize Jeremy Hill and James white to stabilize their backfield.
The Jaguars will be keying in on Rob Gronkowski, who recorded 7 receptions for 123 yards and a score in Week 1. To combat this, the Patriots will need more production from their running backs. If they are able to keep the four they have on their roster healthy, it should help make up for their disparity at the wide receiver position.
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