Not Awesome News: James White is [likely] Done For the Year (and possibly forever as a Patriot???)

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You can't enjoy the sunshine without a lil' rain, and as one happy blog ends, a bummer begins. Obviously, this isn't as life or death as literal cancer, but the Patriots will be without James White for not only the biggest regular-season game in Patriots history, but likely the rest of the season after he sustained a hip injury vs. New Orleans.

Patriots RBs coach Ivan Fears had expressed hope it wasn’t a season-ending injury for James White, but braced for the possibility. “Just like everything else he’s had to deal with, he will bounce back,” Fears said Tuesday. https://t.co/nrYRuYzacc

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 29, 2021

​The Patriots offense is definitely a work in progress, but James White has been Mr. Reliable since breaking onto the scene in 2016 (I won't include 2015 because of how poorly he played in the AFCCG). Although, going into this season, no running back has has more receptions, receiving yards or touchdowns since 2015 than the should-be Super Bowl LI co-MVP. James is a team captain and, at 29 years old, still has it. This is a colossal loss for the Pats. Despite an unfair Madden rating (78), I'd say James White is one of the 5 to 8 most important players on this roster. Through two games, he had 12 receptions for 94 yards (and a rushing TD). None better than this 3rd & 11 conversion in the season opener.

Mac Jones best throw of the day?

Big 3rd & 11 trailing by 7 in their own territory and he drops it right in the bucket in tight coverage to James White on a wheel route.

I think we’ve seen this before… □ pic.twitter.com/asEDJRVO1A

— Ryan Spagnoli (@Ryan_Spags) September 13, 2021

​With James White leaving the Saints game early, for some reason (I'd guess familiarity with the playbook), Brandon Bolden became the Pats 3rd down back instead of preseason stud JJ Taylor. I don't have anything against him as a man, but I never want to see Brandon Bolden playing anything other than special teams. Give JJ a chance!

Yesterday, the Patriots brought in a few backs for workouts to potentially fill the James White void (like these scrubs ever could?).

The Patriots had the following free-agents in for workouts: RB Ryquell Armstead (Temple), DB D.J. Daniel (Georgia), DB Stephen Denmark (Valdosta St.), RB Dontrell Hilliard (Tulane), WR Anthony Johnson (Buffalo), RB Artavis Pierce (Oregon St.), RB Ito Smith (Southern Mississippi).

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 28, 2021

​I hate to look too far ahead, but James White is only under contract for this season. With an injury as severe as this AND the big 3-0 approaching, could this be the last we see James White in a Patriots uniform? I certainly hope not, but if you told me he's in Tampa or retired next year, it wouldn't shock me.

As for this weekend, I haven't mentioned it on DOL yet, but I'm going to the game with my dad. While I'm a tad butthurt that tickets have gone down like 30% since I bought them, I cannot wait to be at the Razor for this once-in-a-lifetime game. I have A LOT of emotions going, and NBC sure isn't fuckin' doing anything to help.

Hello from the other side. @TomBrady returns to New England this Sunday night.

□: @Adele pic.twitter.com/EmISjoZwrh

— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 28, 2021

P.S.


​Can someone please explain to me why Todd Gurley isn't on a roster? Is he actually finished? I know he shouldn't have scored that TD against the Lions, but even with Lieutenant Dan knees, he's gotta be better than most backups in the league.

Are Todd Gurley’s knees still in complete shambles or is he trying to get top dollar? I don’t get how he’s straight up out of football. Only 27. 2017-18 doesn’t feel that long ago but I guess for a RB that can be an entire career. W/ James White likely done I’d take a flyer

— Doz #hiredozo (@DozonLife) September 29, 2021

Double P.S.

I'd rather have Tom Brady for the next 5 years than Mac for the next 15, but this shit fires me up. He'll be fine, that pick-6 wasn't his fault. Just need a competent RT.

Mac Jones on losing James White: "Hopefully we can play for him and play like he plays - and that's smart, tough, and dependable."

— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) September 29, 2021