New England Patriots: Rex Burkhead expected back for AFC Title Game
By Nick Ziegler
In the AFC Championship Game, the New England Patriots are expected to have back running back Rex Burkhead.
The New England Patriots were able to handle their business rather easily against the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Divisional Round, and they have moved on to the AFC Championship Game.
Coming into the playoffs, almost everyone assumed it would be the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Patriots meeting up for the right to be the representative for the AFC in the Super Bowl. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars were able to go into Pittsburgh and pull off a big upset.
Now, the Patriots will be facing one of the best defenses in the league compared to the dynamic Steelers offense. For New England, the Jaguars will certainly be challenging their offense with great talent at all levels on their defense
Fortunately for the Patriots, they will be getting running back Rex Burkhead back for this game.
#Patriots RB Rex Burkhead, who hasn’t played since Dec. 17 because of a knee sprain, is expected to return for the AFC title game, source said. He was close vs. the #Titans, should be good vs. the #Jaguars.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2018
Burkhead missed the final few games of the regular season, but having him back will certainly be good for the Patriots. With his ability to run, catch, and play special teams, Burkhead is a unique weapon for the Patriots.
This season, Burkhead was able to total 264 rushing yards, 254 receiving yards, five rushing touchdowns, and three receiving touchdowns. In his final four games of the season, Burkhead totaled six touchdowns, as he really began to have success as the goal-line back for New England prior to getting injured.
Even though Dion Lewis was able to shoulder the load without Burkhead, having him back will only help against a talented defense. The Jaguars pride themselves on getting after the quarterback, and having running backs in who can catch will help Tom Brady avoid any big hits and possible mistakes.
In addition to what he provides on offense, Burkhead will also help improve a talented special teams group for the Patriots. With it appearing like Burkhead will be back, the Patriots will be very healthy coming into the AFC Title Game.