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New England Patriots Roster Recap: Running Backs

By Marcus Stanois

Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with teammates after returning a kick for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 14, 2017; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with teammates after returning a kick for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals running back Rex Burkhead (33) carries the ball against the Baltimore Ravens in the first half at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Rex Burkhead, age 27 (as of Week 1)

The Cincinnati Bengals selected Burkhead in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft, twenty-five picks after Mike Gillislee. The former Bengal inked a one-year deal with New England this March worth $3.15 million.

In four years with the Bengals, Burkhead combined for 375 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, 288 receiving yards, and one touchdown catch. His best year as a pro came last season when he had 344 rushing yards, 145 receiving, and two touchdown runs. In addition, Burkhead also had six kick returns for 114 yards during his time with Cincinnati.

At 5-foot-10, 210 pounds, Burkhead has the same build as Shane Vereen when the Patriots drafted him in 2011. Like Vereen, Burkhead will likely be used as a receiver out of the backfield rather than a power runner.

Burkhead’s contract suggests he’s a lock to make the 53-man roster. If he can churn out a good training camp and preseason, he could potentially take Dion Lewis’ job.

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