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Patriots RB Jeremy Hill Out For Season With Torn ACL

Hill’s season is unfortunately over not long after it started.

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Jeremy Hill of the New England Patriots is assisted by training staff after suffering an apparent injury during the second half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 09: Jeremy Hill of the New England Patriots is assisted by training staff after suffering an apparent injury during the second half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. (Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Patriots running back Jeremy Hill is out for the rest of the 2018 season after tearing his ACL in the third quarter against the Houston Texans. The NFL Network's Ian Rapoport was first to report the news on Twitter.

While pass-blocking on a throw from Tom Brady to Rob Gronkowski, Hill's right knee was accidentally struck by the helmet of a falling James Develin while he had his foot planted. His leg buckled and he eventually left the field with the help of trainers.

The Patriots quickly ruled Hill out for the rest of the game after he exited. Head coach Bill Belichick had no update on Hill's injury during his Monday conference call, but it was fairly clear to viewers that the injury was serious in nature.

Hill rushed four times for 25 yards in the game prior to his injury. He also caught his only target for six yards. He made a pair of impressive runs to spark the Patriots' late-second-quarter touchdown drive, where they started in the I-formation against the Texans' smaller dime defense.

In total, he played 12 offensive snaps and six on special teams. He also partially blocked a punt by the Texans' Trevor Daniel, showing why the Patriots trusted him on punt coverage over the departed Brandon Bolden.

With Hill now done for the season, the onus will be on rookie running back Sony Michel to step in as a reserve running back for the Patriots. He's also dealing with a knee issue that kept him out of the entire preseason and on Sunday, but it's considered minor in nature. However, Michel may not be able to contribute on special teams the way Hill did. That role will likely need to be filled elsewhere.

Rex Burkhead will likely be leaned on even more in the run game, but the Pats' short yardage and goal line duties will be up for grabs. The Patriots kept Hill over Bolden, who signed with the Dolphins, and Mike Gillislee, whom the Saints claimed off waivers. Other than Michel, the next option could be rookie practice squad back Ralph Webb.

— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com

Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.


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Matt, a North Andover, Massachusetts native, has been with The Sports Hub since 2010. Growing up the son of Boston University All-American and Melrose High School hall-of-fame hockey player Steve Dolloff, sports was always a part of his life. After attending Northeastern University, Matt focused his love of sports on writing, extensively writing about all four major Boston teams. He also is a co-host of the Sports Hub Underground podcast and is a regular on-air contributor on the Sports Hub. Matt writes about all New England sports from Patriots football to Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins.