Patriots react to losing Rex Burkhead with serious knee injury
The Rex Burkhead injury devastated the Patriots on Sunday, as one of their more productive players went down with what is feared to be a torn ACL.
HOUSTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 22: Rex Burkhead #34 of the New England Patriots is carted off the field following an injury in the third quarter during their game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesBy Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
UPDATE: Rex Burkhead confirmed that he's done for the season in a tweet on Tuesday.
The Patriots were understandably devastated to see running back Rex Burkhead go down with what is feared to be an ACL injury. Burkhead had to be carted off the field after taking a nasty-looking shot to his knee while running the ball in the third quarter of the Patriots' 27-20 loss to the Texans on Sunday.
Here is how quarterback Cam Newton, running back James White, and wide receiver Damiere Byrd reacted when asked about their fallen teammate.
Cam Newton:
“It was extremely devastating knowing how great of a teammate he is, knowing how great of a leader he is, knowing what he brings to this team. But he’s a warrior, and I know he’ll be back stronger. His influence will be missed.”
James White:
"Man, I'm hurting for him, I'm still hurting for him. When a good friend of mine - not just a teammate, but a guy I call my friend - to see him go down like that, it's never good. He was having a great year as well, making huge plays for us. It's just tough, man. Just hate to see it."
Damiere Byrd:
“Yeah, you never want to lose your brother or your teammate. Obviously, Rex has been great for us throughout the season and it was very tough to see him go down. We're praying for him and hoping that he makes a speedy recovery and that that injury isn't too bad.”
Burkhead led all Patriots skill position players in total touchdowns with six on the season entering Sunday's game. His 466 scrimmage yards sit as the third-most on the team as of Monday, behind only Damien Harris and Byrd.
There has yet to be an official update on Burkhead's injury. But according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic, the team fears a torn ACL.
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? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
