New England Patriots: 5 Things to Watch in Matchup Against Detroit Lions

#2 Running Back Situation

As is the case in the regular season, the Patriots have continued to rotate running backs extensively this preseason. Through two games, five different backs have at least 10 touches on offense. That doesn’t even include Super Bowl hero James White or the newly-acquired Mike Gillislee, who figures to play a big role this season.

Gillislee made his return to practice on Tuesday and says his hamstring injury is fully healed. Even if that’s true, don’t expect him to garner the bulk of the carries over the final two preseason games. If he plays against Detroit, he likely won’t carry the ball more than six or seven times.

Regardless of how the Patriots choose to divvy up the carries, Gillislee, White, Rex Burkhead, Dion Lewis and  Brandon Bolden are all expected to make the roster. The battle fans should keep an eye on is the one between D.J. Foster and LeShun Daniels. One of those two is likely to land on the practice squad this season.

Foster is the better receiver of the two, having primarily played wide receiver at Arizona State as a senior. He caught 222 passes in college compared to just 10 for Daniels. Daniels, a rookie out of Iowa, is the bigger back who can wear down defenses with his combination of power and durability. Foster has the advantage of being in the system for a full season, but the final two preseason games could determine who gets the spot on the practice squad.