Rex Burkhead’s injury not considered serious, should be back for playoffs

Troy Taormina | USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots’ running back Rex Burkhead went down with a knee injury early in the second half of Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was evaluated and quickly ruled out for the remainder of the game. But as it turns out, the Patriots may have caught a lucky break with this one.

According to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, it is believed that Burkhead did not tear his ACL, but that he suffered a sprained and bruised knee. Burkhead could return for the playoffs.


The 27-year-old RB has totaled 30 catches for 254 yards and three receiving touchdowns this season. He has also carried the ball 64 times for 264 yards and has run for five scores.

With Burkhead potentially missing the last two games of the season, this now gives an opportunity for Mike Gillislee to get some playing time. The 5-foot-11 running back has been a healthy scratch since the team returned from the bye in Week 9. He was on the injury report just one of those weeks with an illness.

Gillislee ran for four touchdowns in the first two weeks of the season.

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