FOXBORO – The Patriots host the Minnesota Vikings in what promises to be a tough contest at rainy Gillette Stadium. Keep up with all the action from Foxboro by following The Journal's team on Twitter:
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FOXBORO – The Patriots host the Minnesota Vikings in what promises to be a tough contest at rainy Gillette Stadium. Keep up with all the action from Foxboro by following The Journal's team on Twitter:
A Twitter List by projo
Burkhead returns, Shelton inactive
Rex Burkhead is back.
The running back is active and makes his return as the Patriots take on the Minnesota Vikings this evening. Burkhead missed the last eight games while he spent time on the injured reserve with a neck injury. He also dealt with a concussion earlier this season.
With Burkhead back, the Patriots are stocked at running back with Sony Michel and James Whites. In three games this season, Burkhead rushed for 86 yards and caught three passes for 31 yards. His best performance came in Week 1, which saw him rush for 64 yards. Burkhead started the season as the starting running back, but Sony Michel has taken off in that role.
It’ll be interesting to see how Burkhead integrates back into the offense. As a pass catching back, he’ll give Tom Brady one more option.
Inactive for the Patriots is Danny Shelton, Duke Dawson, Dwayne Allen, Keion Crossen, Derek Rivers, Keionta Davis and James Ferentz. Allen (knee) is the only player injured on that list. Everyone else is a healthy scratch.
The biggest surprise on the inactive list is Shelton. Prior to this season, Shelton started 45 of 46 games played in Cleveland. The defensive tackle's role this season hasn't materialized like many thought it would. Shelton has started just one of 11 games played. He has 18 tackles this season.
For the Vikings, both receiver Stefon Diggs (knee) and cornerback Xavier Rhoades (hamstring) are active. Both players were considered game-time decisions.
Welcome to Gillette Stadium
Welcome to a rainy Gillette Stadium where the Patriots will take on the Minnesota Vikings in their Week 13 matchup.
The Patriots (8-3) are looking to finish strong. With five remaining games, they’re currently in position with the AFC’s No. 2 seed. They’re tied with Houston, but own the tiebreaker with a Week 1 win. They’re a game behind Kansas City, but hold the tiebreaker, with their Week 6 win, so every win matters down the stretch.
The good news is that the Patriots look like they’re finally healthy.
The team ruled out Dwayne Allen (knee) on Friday, but removed Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Julian Edelman from the injury report. They’re also slated to get Rex Burkhead back. The running back was activated off the injured reserve this week and could help against a talented Vikings defense. It’ll be interesting to see who’s inactive today with Burkhead slated to return.
The Vikings, however, are hurting. According to ESPN, receiver Stefon Diggs’ knee swelled up overnight and he’s now a game-time decision. Diggs created a dangerous 1-2 punch with receiver Adam Thielen. Minnesota’s No. 1 cornerback Xavier Rhoads is dealing with a hamstring injury and is also a game-time decision, according to ESPN.