New England Patriots: 3 players to watch vs Houston Texans
RB Rex Burkhead
Another uber versatile player worth keeping an eye on in Week 2 of the preseason is running back Rex Burkhead.
Although Burkhead didn’t play versus the Jaguars and has been limited in training camp, he’s poised to make his preseason debut against the Texans on Saturday.
According to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe, running back Mike Gillislee was absent from New England’s joint practices with Houston this week. If the team decides to keep Gillislee out of Saturday’s matchup, Burkhead should earn more playing time with the first-team offense.
Since minicamp, chemistry has begun to brew between Burkhead and quarterback Tom Brady. In one minicamp session, NESN’s Doug Kyed reported that Burkhead “was heavily involved” hauling in “seven catches”. On Day 7 of training camp, MassLive’s Kevin Duffy noted:
"“Burkhead breezed past linebacker Elandon Roberts in a 1-on-1 drill for a deep reception.”"
Burkhead has made the most of his opportunities filling in for Gillislee. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the former Cincinnati Bengal has made plays as a runner in addition to as a receiver:
With Mike Gillislee not practicing, Rex Burkhead gets more work. Watched him score TD off right side with patient run as hole opened late.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 2, 2017
Like tight end James O’Shaughnessy, Burkhead is also a capable contributor on special teams. In 2016, he tallied 114 yards on six kickoff returns. In minicamp, the Boston Herald’s Adam Kurkjian pointed out “Burkhead was making a lot of the calls as a blocker on the punt team.”
Keep an eye out for number 34 on offense and special teams during Saturday’s game.