The Patriots haven’t caught too many breaks this year when it comes to injuries, but it sounds like they may have dodged a bullet during their win over Pittsburgh.
Running back Rex Burkhead went down with a knee injury in the third quarter during Sunday’s game, which at the time looked significant given that there were even Steelers players motioning for the sideline immediately after Burkhead went down.
After trainers rushed out onto the field, he did manage to get up and walk off under his own power before going into the medical tent. From there he went to the locker room and didn’t return.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the prognosis appears to be good as he didn’t suffer a significant injury.
Initial tests showed Patriots’ RB Rex Burkhead did not tear his ACL, per league source. He could miss a little time, but knee injury initially not believed to be of the major variety.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2017
The veteran running back scored his fifth rushing touchdown of the season on New England’s opening drive, and finished the game with 4 carries for/ 12 yards and his touchdown before his injury.
Burkhead has had a productive couple of weeks, with NFL Research pointing out that he’s had a combined total of six rushing and receiving touchdowns, which is more than any other NFL player since Week 12.
Rex Burkhead has scored more touchdowns (6) than any other NFL player since Week 12
— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) December 17, 2017
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Ian Logue is a Seacoast native and owner and senior writer for PatsFans.com, an independent media site covering the New England Patriots and has been running this site in one form or another since 1997.
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