What will absence of Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee mean for Patriots offense Saturday?

Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee, both of whom have been dogged by knee issues as of late, are both not expected to play Saturday night against the Titans, while James White, who has dealt with an ankle injury since last month, will give it a go, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Burkhead hasn’t played since injuring his knee in a Week 14 win over the Steelers, while Gillislee has been in and out of the lineup all year long, but hasn’t played since a Week 15 win over Buffalo. As for White, he sustained his ankle injury in the Pittsburgh game, and has not played since then.

BSJ analysis: What does this mean for Saturday night?


As they have done over the last month, the Patriots will continue to rely on Dion Lewis as the first option out of the backfield, primarily as the between-the-tackles option in the run game. The return of White should take some of the workload off his shoulders, and this is an especially key element, as the Titans are the worst team in the league when it comes to defending backs in the passing game. Look for Lewis and White as frequent targets of Tom Brady out of the backfield. In addition, Brandon Bolden could get an occasional carry against Tennessee as a way of giving Lewis some occasional relief.