New England Patriots: 5 players to watch vs Detroit Lions

RB Mike Gillislee

After sitting out New England’s first two preseason games, the stars are aligning for running back Mike Gillislee to make his preseason debut, this Friday.

The former Buffalo Bill returned to practice on Wednesday after missing time rehabbing a hamstring injury. Gillislee told reporters he was “100%” in Wednesday’s practice.

Gillislee has been deemed the back most likely to take over where former Patriot LeGarrette Blount left off last season. Pats Pulpit’s Rich Hill described Gillislee as an ‘excellent replacement for Blount‘, praising his “physical” running style and “great burst at the line of scrimmage”.

NESN’s Doug Kyed suggested that Gillislee’s size will play into his role with the team, writing:

"“Since Gillislee is the biggest of the Patriots’ running backs, he’s the most likely to take goal-line carries.”"

However, Kyed also noted that New England may decide to sit Gillislee in favor of his long term availability:

"“Because of how long he was out with the hamstring injury, it’s possible he sees a lesser role to begin the season”"

Following a head turning performance by running back Rex Burkhead against the Houston Texans, if active, Gillislee will be the back to watch on Friday.