With Rex Burkhead in concussion protocol, Patriots sign RB Kenjon Barner

Frank Franklin II/AP

The Patriots' depth at running back is already being tested.

Rex Burkhead is in concussion protocol, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN, and may not play on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. With Jeremy Hill now out for the season with a torn ACL and uncertainty regarding Sony Michel's playing status, this news really couldn't have come at a worse time.

Burkhead did not practice yesterday, and it's not clear at what point he suffered the injury.

In a corresponding move, the Patriots signed former Philadelphia Eagles running back Kenjon Barner to add temporary depth to the position. Barner has experience returning kicks, so he can help in that area as well.

In Super Bowl LII, Barner returned three kicks for 73 yards.

Barner was most recently with the Panthers, but failed to make the roster out of training camp.

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