HOUSTON -- When the New England Patriots held their first full-pads practice of training camp July 29 and had their first goal-line drill with live tackling, Mike Gillislee got the first crack as the team’s top running back.
He was impressive, barreling up the middle for a touchdown on his first snap, then following fullback James Develin off the left side for a second score.
It was a preview of what potentially was to come.
Unfortunately for Gillislee, his momentum stopped there. Shortly thereafter, he was sidelined due to a reported hamstring injury, which was an ailment he had also dealt with in spring practices. He hasn’t been a full participant in practice over the last two weeks.
With Gillislee not playing in Saturday night’s preseason game against the Houston Texans, it likely means free-agent signing Rex Burkhead will step into his place for some early reps.
In addition to Gillislee, here are the players dealing with injuries who aren’t expected to play against the Texans:
LT Tony Garcia
LB Dont'a Hightower (PUP)
OL Andrew Jelks (NFI)
TE Matt Lengel
DE Derek Rivers
LT Nate Solder