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The New England Patriots reinforcements should arrive this week as running back Rex Burkhead, who has missed the past few weeks with a knee injury, is expected to return to the lineup according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Patriots RB Rex Burkhead, who hasn’t played since Dec. 17 because of a knee sprain, is expected to return for the AFC title game, source said. He was close vs. the #Titans, should be good vs. the #Jaguars.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2018
The Patriots have been short-handed at running back as of late as Burkhead, James White, and Mike Gillislee have all battled their own respective injuries. Dion Lewis has been the bellcow, while Brandon Bolden has chipped in at times.
The return of Burkhead should really help the New England offense as they face an extremely difficult Jacksonville Jaguars defense. Burkhead was a late decision last week against the Tennessee Titans, but his knee was stiff all week and he was unable to play.
Burkhead gained 264 rushing yards and 254 receiving yards in the regular season and scored 8 touchdowns, tied for the second-most on the team with Rob Gronkowski (Dion Lewis led the team with 9). His value and versatility by the goal line will be immense.