New England Patriots Digest: Things to watch in training camp

Stories to watch in training camp

Keep your eyes on these storylines throughout New England’s training camp.

Who will be the Patriots’ lead running back?

Four running backs will enter the Patriots’ training camp with reasons indicating they should be the team’s bell cow back. Between free agent signees, Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead, and returning backs James White and Dion Lewis, New England has a highly-qualified group of rushers. Gillislee boasts the highest cap hit of the group at $3.9 million, according to Spotrac.com. He also posted the most rushing yards and touchdowns of the four, tallying 577 yards and eight touchdowns in 2016. Rex Burkhead is another favorite for the starting running back gig. Like Gillislee, he’ll carry a plus-$3 million cap hit this season and was second in rushing and receiving yards among the group.

James White could also warrant a chance at being the Patriots lead back, although the team prefers using him on passing downs rather than as a runner. Same goes for Dion Lewis whose spotty injury history will limit his contributions.