The Patriots got let out for summer vacation a few days early this year when Bill Belichick cancelled the final two OTA sessions on Monday. The team will have a little over a month to enjoy the weather and their new bling until training camp starts in late July. With roster cuts looming, the running back position is one of several that stand to get trimmed down. The trio of James White, Sony Michel, and Rex Burkhead will return. Accompanying them is Brandon Bolden, back from his one-year vacation to Miami, and rookies Damien Harris and Nick Brossette.
The Patriots tend to enjoy a crowded backfield, so for them to keep four or five running backs would make sense. Following Rob Gronkowski’s retirement, the running game will be even further under the spotlight this season.
So who lives to see the 53-man roster, and who doesn’t?
The Locks
James White: Entering his sixth year with New England, White has appeared in at least 14 games for five straight seasons. He posted career highs across the board last year, including carries, catches, rushing yards, receiving yards, and touchdowns. His role within the Patriot system has only grown over the years, as has Tom Brady’s trust in him. White will return as Brady’s favorite target next to Julian Edelman, and is firmly among the most important players on the entire roster.

Sony Michel: The sophomore out of Georgia missed all three mandatory practices last week, but whether a previous injury or a new development held him out remains to be seen. Michel led the Patriots in carries, rush yards, and rush touchdowns as a rookie. After showing so much promise last year, his workload should expand even further in 2019. He has a bit of a laundry list of injuries, but training camp will provide some much needed clarity. After a tremendous rookie campaign, Michel could, and should, breakout this season if his health holds up.

The Favorites
Rex Burkhead: Burkhead joined the Patriots ahead of the 2017 season, but injuries have caused him to miss 14 regular season games over the last two years. However, he has settled in nicely as the third horse in the running back stable. His biggest contribution is that extra level of depth to an injury-prone backfield, especially with Michel’s status to be determined. His touches will be harder to come by this year, however. A few new faces, and one familiar one, will be sure to get their chances to prove themselves this season.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Brandon Bolden: After spending his first four years as a contributing member of the Patriot backfield, Bolden shifted into an almost exclusive role on special teams in 2017 and 2018 before signing with the Dolphins on a one-year deal. He managed only 8 carries for 91 yards with Miami, however. His only two touchdowns came against his current employer in the game that culminated in the so-called “Miami Miracle”. The Dolphins finished the year at 7-9, for what it’s worth. Bolden will return to the Patriots with insider knowledge on the backfield and special teams, and Belichick will surely find a spot for him.
Damien Harris: The Patriots drafted Harris with the 87th overall pick in the third round of this year’s draft, and it’s time to get excited for the newest Patriot out of Alabama. Harris backed up Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans his freshman year. He beat out Bo Scarborough the next year, assumed starting running back responsibilities, and never looked back. Harris racked up 3,070 yards and 23 touchdowns in four seasons with the Crimson Tide, including consecutive 1,000+ yard seasons in 2016 and 2017. He averaged over six yards per carry and added 52 receptions for 407 yards. To top it off, Harris has experience as a kick returner. After cashing in on Sony Michel just last year, the Patriots didn’t use a third-round pick for Harris to play on the practice squad.

On the Cut Line
Nick Brossette: The other rookie challenging for a spot in the backfield also spent four years in the SEC, but his college career was not nearly as productive as Harris’. He joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent following the draft. Brossette’s only real production came his senior year, where he rushed for 1,039 yards and 14 touchdowns on 240 carries. With very limited pass-catching experience, Brossette currently sits at the bottom of the food chain in the Patriots’ backfield. Furthermore, the 23 year-old LSU product did not practice in front of the media once last week.
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62838026/usa_today_11954649.0.jpg?resize=393%2C262&ssl=1)
The Patriots have become notorious for featuring any number of backs on any given Sunday. I’m sure many fantasy owners of New England running backs can attest to that. Don’t be surprised if Belichick keeps five backs on the 53-man roster. After all, the position only grows more important as Brady’s clock keeps ticking.
P.S. Don’t worry, James Develin is going to make the roster.
–Ethan Roy is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage Sports Media, and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @_ethanroy
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
Former Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians joins Clark and Ira to discuss […]
-
Ep 115: Gil Brandt Joins The Show To Remember Cowboys RB Don Perkinsby Full Press Coverage on June 22, 2022 at 3:46 pm
Pro Football Hall of Famer Gil Brandt joins Clark and Ira to discuss the […]
-
Ep 114: Former Bengals QB Ken Anderson Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 5:12 pm
Former Bengals quarterback and NFL MVP, Ken Anderson, joins Clark and Ira […]
-
Ep 113: HOF Voter Barry Wilner Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 6:04 pm
For AP chief correspondent and current Pro Football Hall of Fame voter, […]
-
Ep 112: Colts Owner Jim Irsay Joins To Talk "The Jim Irsay Collection"by Full Press Coverage on May 31, 2022 at 3:05 pm
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay returns to the show to talk with Calrk […]
-
Ep 111: Joe Horrigan Returns To Remember Vietnam Veteran And Former Bills OT Bob Kalsuby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 9:25 pm
As we approach Memorial Day, Joe Horrigan returns to the show to talk to […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 235: Most Rostered Dynasty Players in 2022by Full Press Coverage on June 30, 2022 at 2:03 pm
-
Ep 234: Madman Trade Showby Full Press Coverage on June 23, 2022 at 9:36 pm
-
Ep 233: Rookie Draft Roundupby Full Press Coverage on June 9, 2022 at 2:59 am
-
Ep 232: Philosophy of Fantasy Footballby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:32 pm
-
Early NHL Offseason Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 8:00 pm
From Full Press Hockey Weekly, Jim Biringer and Chris Wassel give their […]
-
Patriots Odds To Win AFC... I'll Take That Betby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 1:58 pm
From FPC Radio LIVE, hosts Ian Glendon and John Sapochetti discuss the New […]
-
6/29 - Avs Win Stanley Cup; NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 1:56 pm
Ian and John discuss the Avalanche winning the Stanley Cup and the […]
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
Ian and John are back to discuss the World Series of Poker, the NBA Finals […]
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 5 and what they have to do […]
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics loss in Game 4 and look ahead to Game 5 […]
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics Game Two win as well as if they are […]
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tom Brady non answer, Jason Alexander's weekend, […]
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
Ian and John discuss whether or not Josh Allen is being overhyped and they […]
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big win over the Warriors in game one of […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 227by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:27 am
-
Talkamania Episode 228by Talkamania on June 12, 2022 at 3:04 am
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 188 "MITB Preview"by Boot 2 The Face on June 26, 2022 at 10:25 pm
Rucker and Marty are back talking the updated Forbidden Door ppv, injuries […]
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 186 "Cody Did What?"by Boot 2 The Face on June 13, 2022 at 12:21 am
Boys are back talking WWE HIAC, and the crazy effort put forth by Cody […]
-
7/1 - Kevin Durant Requests Trade; NBA Offseason Begins With a Bangby Full Press Coverage on July 1, 2022 at 6:42 pm
-
Ep 235: Most Rostered Dynasty Players in 2022by Full Press Coverage on June 30, 2022 at 2:03 pm
-
Early NHL Offseason Predictionsby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 8:00 pm
-
Ep 74: Bruce Cassidy Fired; Bergeron Returning?; Bruins Front Office Blameby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 5:48 pm
-
Patriots Odds To Win AFC... I'll Take That Betby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 1:58 pm
-
6/29 - Avs Win Stanley Cup; NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 1:56 pm
-
Ep 116: Former Buccaneers Head Coach Bruce Arians Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 3:03 am
-
Hockey Hall of Fame Reaction; Making The Case For Alexander Mogilnyby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 12:39 am
-
Ep. 191 - Kyrie Irving Craziness Part 2000by Full Press Coverage on June 28, 2022 at 11:07 pm
-
Episode 53 Criss Partee breaks down the latest NBA offseason newsby Full Press Coverage on June 28, 2022 at 5:50 am
-
6/29 - Avs Win Stanley Cup; NFL News and Notesby Full Press Coverage on June 29, 2022 at 1:56 pm
-
6/24 - WSOP; NBA Finals Talk; Stanley Cup Coming To An End; NBA Draftby Full Press Coverage on June 24, 2022 at 2:15 pm
-
6/15 - Celtics Falter In San Fran, Can They Force A Game 7?by Full Press Coverage on June 15, 2022 at 4:23 pm
-
6/13 - Goodfellas; Celtics/Warriors, Stanley Cup Finalby Full Press Coverage on June 13, 2022 at 4:46 pm
-
Are The Celtics In The Heads Of The Warriors?by Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 5:50 pm
-
6/10 - Jason Alexander; Tom Brady; Celtics/Warriorsby Full Press Coverage on June 10, 2022 at 2:24 pm
-
6/6 - Josh Allen Overhyped? Celtics/Warriors Game Twoby Full Press Coverage on June 6, 2022 at 2:46 pm
-
6/3 - Celtics Take Game One From Golden Stateby Full Press Coverage on June 3, 2022 at 10:46 pm
-
5/27 - RIP Ray Liotta; Golden State Advances; Celtics On The Vergeby Full Press Coverage on May 27, 2022 at 7:00 pm
-
5/25 - Texas Tragedy; Celtics/Heat Game Fiveby Full Press Coverage on May 25, 2022 at 7:21 pm