New England Patriots: Mike Gillislee is ready to step in for Rex Burkhead

Against the Buffalo Bills in Week 16, Mike Gillislee is prepared to make his return after being a healthy scratch the past few weeks for the New England Patriots.

Coming into the 2017 season, the New England Patriots had a lot of talent in their backfield. After the decision was made not to bring LeGarrette Blount back, the Patriots moved forward with a Dion Lewis, James White, and a few new acquisitions.

One of those acquisitions was Mike Gillislee. As the backup to LeSean McCoy on the Buffalo Bills, Gillislee had a great season in 2016. Last season, Gillislee totaled 577 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns. As a backup, that production was excellent from Gillislee, and it was one of the reasons why the Patriots signed him as a restricted free agent.

Coming into the season, Gillislee was the No.1 back for the Patriots. In the first two weeks of the season, Gillislee was able to total four rushing touchdowns, but his yards per carry average wasn’t good.

The struggles of Gillislee continued early on in the season, and the Patriots began to use Dion Lewis more with Rex Burkhead as the goal-line back. Since the game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Gillislee has been a healthy scratch.

However, a recent injury to Rex Burkhead has resulted in a need for Gillislee to get back in the lineup. With a chance to redeem himself, Gillislee is ready to shine.

"“I’m a team player, and I’m always going to put my team first,” Gillislee told the Boston Herald prior to Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. “We’re out to get something, and that’s to go to the championship, the Super Bowl. That’s the goal, and I’m going to do whatever I can to help my football team get there. Whatever that is, whether it’s practicing, being on scout team, of course, I want to be out there, but I’m going to do whatever it is to be a part of the team and not distract them.”"

Since taking over as the goal-line back for the Patriots, Burkhead has played really well. His ability to find the end zone in the red zone has been one of the reasons why the Patriots have had success in recent weeks. Now, it will likely be on Gillislee to do that job.

Next: Week 15 Team Grades vs. Steelers

With Dion Lewis still running the ball very well, it will likely be Gillislee taking over for Burkhead only around the goal-line. Since the Patriots rarely use James White as a runner, Gillislee might get a few carries between the twenties when Lewis needs a breather. Since Gillislee has been inactive for quite some time, he should be very fresh for the stretch run for the Patriots.