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New England Patriots: Battle at running back is biggest looming decision

By Nick Ziegler

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots in action during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 9 : Mike Gillislee #35 of the New England Patriots in action during the preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Washington Redskins at Gillette Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Recently, Bleacher Report named the biggest looming decision for each team in the NFL. What was it for the New England Patriots.

With the preseason underway, the New England Patriots are focusing on staying healthy and preparing for the 2018 season. After a good season in 2017, the Patriots are once again expected to be one of the top teams in the NFL.

Like all teams, the Patriots will have a few tough decisions to make when it comes to slimming down their roster. As of now, running back looks to be one of the positions where the Patriots will have to make a tough call.

As of now, the Patriots have four running backs that should be locks to make the team. Sony Michel, James White, Rex Burkhead, and Brandon Bolden all should be suiting up for the Patriots in 2018. However, that leaves three players fighting for one spot.

Recently, Maurice Moton of Bleacher Report named finding their final running back as the biggest looming decision to make.

With the final spot likely coming down to either Jeremy Hill or Mike Gillislee, whoever makes the team could play a sizeable role for the Patriots next season. Last season, Gillislee was brought in from the Buffalo Bills with the expectations of filling in for LeGarrette Blount. However, Gillislee really struggled and ended up being a non-factor after the first few games of the season.

Hill was brought in this offseason from the Cincinnati Bengals and is likely hungry to prove himself and get back to his rookie season form. In the first preseason game against the Washington Redskins, it was Hill who outperformed Gillislee.

Both backs have fairly similar running styles and whoever wins the roster spot, could be the goal-line back for the Patriots. Last season, New England used Rex Burkhead mostly in the role, but Hill or Gillislee certainly have the better builds for goal-line carries.

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With three preseasons games to go, the battle between Hill and Gillislee will certainly be one to watch. Both are likely fighting for one spot, and the Patriots will certainly have a big decision to make when it comes to their final spot at running back.

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