We've all been burned by Patriots running backs. But they can reward fantasy teams handsomely, too, as LeGarrette Blount showed a couple of years ago, and Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead did (if you had them at the right times). Is Jeremy Hill now on that track?
Hill has been battling with Mike Gillislee for the big running back job in the offense, but through two exhibitions now he's been a lot better. And while we're told that the Patriots "deem Rex Burkhead's injury to be minor," I'm not entirely sure we should believe them. (Not trusting the Patriots with injury information? Yes, I'm willing to go there.)
Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports that Burkhead (the favorite for lead back duties) has a "slight tear in his knee." He was told that there's a good chance Burkhead could have played through it if it were a regular-season game, which is about where it's fair to be skeptical. A slight tear -- ligament, presumably -- doesn't sound like the kind of thing running backs usually play through. And it doesn't sound like something to ignore when considering drafting Burkhead in fantasy leagues.
So, Gillislee versus Hill. Gillislee came into last night's game first (James White started and played the first series, reminding us again that White's role is the most secure on this team), but Hill also played with the Brady offense, and Gillislee was still getting snaps deep into the fourth quarter. For the second week in a row, Hill was better (6 for 31); Gillislee carried 9 times for 22 yards.
The two-week totals have Hill at 17 carries for 82 yards (4.8) and Gillislee at 23 for 65 (2.8). Yards per carry isn't everything, but I've watched both games, and Hill (who's supposedly dropped 10 pounds from what he weighed in Cincinnati last year and benefited from ankle surgery) looks a whole lot better. They can call it a competition all they want, but I don't see how Gillislee, who's been on a steady downward track since scoring 3 TDs in Week 1 a year ago, is going to make the team.
The Patriots have two preseason games left (one if you're counting games starter will actually play in). Seems unlikely we'll see Burkhead, though we know he and White are roster locks. But I think it's going to be Hill making the roster, and Gillislee going home. And if Burkhead's "slight tear" is something significant, Hill could have a lot more fantasy value this season than you might expect.
--Andy Richardson