Nebraska football: Former Husker expected back for AFC Title game
Former Nebraska football star Rex Burkhead has been out for a few weeks. He’s expected to return from injury in time to play in the AFC Championship.
Former Nebraska football star Rex Burkhead is getting ready to play in the AFC Championship. Sources have told Rap Sheet’s Ian Rappoport that he’s expected to be back for the first time since December 17.
While Burkhead won’t be starting for the Patriots, it does mean the odds-on favorite to make the Super Bowl will have yet another weapon. For New England fans, it means a return to the three-headed monster that was the Pats’ backfield.
Before he went down with a knee strain, the former Husker was coming into his own. Burkhead is third on the team in rushing yards with 264 and he’s also hauled down 30 catches.
#Patriots RB Rex Burkhead, who hasn’t played since Dec. 17 because of a knee sprain, is expected to return for the AFC title game, source said. He was close vs. the #Titans, should be good vs. the #Jaguars.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 15, 2018
Two weeks before his injury, he ran roughshod over the Buffalo Bills. In his team’s 23-3 win, he rushed 12 times for 78 yards and two touchdowns. He also had three catches for 25 yards.
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The week before that, Burkhead rushed 13 times for 50 yards and a touchdown. Now he’ll be able to help the Patriots take on the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The improbable AFC Championship matchup seems to be one that is a dream come true for the Pats. The Jaguars have a good, but not great defense and an offense that is inconsistent.
New England already took on one improbable matchup when they played the Tennessee Titans on Saturday. The Titans were in the game because they upset the Kansas City Chiefs.
The Patriots manhandled the Titans after starting off a little wobbly, 35-14. The former Husker is going to make the New England’s attack that much more multidimensional.
Since Rex Burkhead is just returning from injury, it’s hard to say just how much the former Nebraska football will play. It’s safe to say they will find some way to use him.