Mike Gillislee NFL Fantasy Profiles

Released by Saints

Gillislee was cut by the Saints on Saturday, Josh Katzenstein of NOLA.com reports.

Analysis: With running back Mark Ingram suspended for the first four games of the year, Gillislee was signed in early September to help take some of the pressure off of second-year back Alvin Kamara. Ultimately, the veteran's performance was uninspiring, as he compiled only 16 carries for 43 yards in his four appearances. His roster spot will now be used to activate Ingram off the suspended list.

Three touches in Week 4

Gillislee gained six yards on two carries and caught one pass for nine yards in Sunday's win against the Giants.

Analysis: It was another underwhelming performance for Gillislee, who played just five snaps. With the Saints on bye in Week 6 and Mark Ingram set to return in Week 5, Gillislee probably does not need to be rostered in most formats.

Another quiet game

Gillislee gained 10 yards on three carries in Sunday's win against the Falcons.

Analysis: Gillislee had the same number of carries as quarterbacks Drew Brees and Taysom Hill, who each ran the ball three times in Sunday's contest, with Brees actually reaching the end zone twice. Meanwhile, starting running back Alvin Kamara totaled 31 touches -- 16 carries and a whopping 15 receptions. Perhaps needless to say, Gillislee does not appear to be an integral part of the Saints backfield. With Mark Ingram set to return from suspension after Week 4, Gillislee probably does not need to be…read more

Eight carries Week 2

Gillislee gained 18 yards on eight carries in Sunday's win against the Browns.

Analysis: Gillislee played just nine offensive snaps compared to 51 snaps for starter Alvin Kamara. While Gillislee should continue to see a handful of weekly touches while Mark Ingram remains suspended, he's totaled a mere 27 yards in his first two games. With such meager production, Gillislee should not be anywhere near most starting lineups and can probably be cut or left on waivers in many fantasy leagues with Ingram expected to return Week 5.

Coughs up fumble

Gillislee gained nine yards on three carries and lost a fumble in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Gillislee signed with New Orleans earlier this month following his release from New England. There was some thought that Gillislee could fill the power-back role while Mark Ingram serves a four-game suspension, but the sixth-year pro fell flat in his Saints debut. A negative game script in which the Saints spent much of the afternoon playing from behind certainly didn't help the one-dimensional runner, but Gillislee did little to help his own cause, as his second-quarter fumble was returned for…read more

May be getting competition

Gillislee may get some competition in the backfield before Sunday's game against Tampa Bay, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: With Gillislee and Alvin Kamara left as the only running backs on the 53-man roster, there's been some speculation about the former Patriot handling a sizable chunk of the rushing workload Week 1. It's still a possibility, but there's also some chance the Saints promote Boston Scott or Jonathan Williams from the practice squad before Sunday to serve as the No. 2 back against Tampa Bay.

Listed as No. 2 back

Gillislee is listed behind Alvin Kamara on the Saints' current running back depth chart, Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate reports.

Analysis: With Mark Ingram (who scored 12 TDs in 2017) set to miss the first four games of the season, Kamara is clearly the team's lead back. Gillislee's quick rise up the depth chart since signing with the team Sunday suggests he could carve out a role in Ingram's absence, notably in short-yardage situations. Meanwhile, the 5-foot-6, 203-pound Boston Scott is on hand to provide a change-of-pace option and can potentially contribute as a returner.

Signs one-year deal with Saints

Gillislee was signed by the Saints on a one-year deal Sunday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Analysis: Gillislee's visit with the Saints concluded with the signing of a one-year contract for the former Patriot, who had just been released by New England on Saturday. He'll likely be a candidate for touches primarily in short-yardage situations as a complement to starter Alvin Kamara and Boston Scott while Mark Ingram (suspension) misses the first four weeks of the regular season.

Visiting with Saints

Gillislee is visiting the Saints on Sunday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Gilislee lost out to Jeremy Hill in New England but may quickly land on his feet with a New Orleans team that ended cutdown day carrying just two healthy, non-suspended RBs on its 53-man roster. The 27-year-old would provide a power element alongside Alvin Kamara and Boston Scott while Mark Ingram is suspended for the first four weeks of the season.

Released on cutdown day

The Patriots released Gillislee on Saturday, Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com reports.

Analysis: Gillislee was outplayed by Jeremy Hill this preseason, finishing with 33 carries for 100 yards and a touchdown. This probably wasn't a difficult decision for the Patriots, considering Gillislee was also the more expensive option of the two. There is a decent chance Gillislee finds another landing spot at some point this season.

Scores while splitting work

Gillislee rushed 10 times for 35 yards and a touchdown during Friday's 25-14 loss to the Panthers in the third preseason game.

Analysis: Gillislee also caught his lone target for six yards. The tailback split time with Jeremy Hill throughout the contest, as those two were the only Patriots running backs to get rushing touches Friday. Battling for a roster spot, Gillislee outperformed Hill, who managed 25 yards on his nine carries and wasn't targeted prior to exiting due to injury. With a two-yard touchdown and ensuing two-point conversion rush, Gillislee carries some momentum into the final exhibition outing, but he's far from a…read more

Continues slide

Gillislee rushed for 22 yards on nine carries during Thursday's 37-20 win over the Eagles.

Analysis: After barely averaging three yards per carry in extended duty against Washington in the preseason opener, Gillislee managed to find even less consistency against Philadelphia. No team in the league manages running backs like the Patriots, but with James White continuing his role as Swiss Army knife, Jeremy Hill and Brandon Bolden breaking off big runs, and Sony Michel (knee) and Rex Burkhead (knee) waiting in the wings -- it's unclear what Gillislee brings to the table at this point. The…read more

Struggles in opener

Gillislee took 14 carries for 43 yards in Thursday's 26-17 preseason win over Washington.

Analysis: With Sony Michel (knee) and Rex Burkhead (undisclosed) both absent, Gillislee got the start and handled the first carry, but he was thoroughly outplayed by Jeremy Hill, who took 11 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown. Further hurting his cause, Gillislee was involved in a botched handoff with quarterback Danny Etling toward the end of the game, while Hill didn't get any carries after the third quarter. If the two veteran running backs are indeed competing for one roster spot, Hill likely moved…read more

Sheds non-contact jersey

Gillislee (undisclosed) ditched his red (no contact) jersey at practice Friday, NESN.com reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Gillislee appeared to be a full practice participant Friday, which paves the way for him to make a case for a roster spot. With Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White viewed as locks to make the team, Gillislee is competing with Jeremy Hill, Brandon Bolden and undrafted free agent Ralph Webb for depth chart slotting in the Patriots' backfield.

Returns to practice

Gillislee (undisclosed) returned to practice Thursday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Gillislee, who had missed three practices, sported a red non-contact jersey, but he hopes to be cleared for full contact by Friday. The 27-year-old is currently fighting for a roster spot, while competing against Brandon Bolden, Jeremy Hill and undrafted free agent Ralph Webb behind roster locks Sony Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White.

Absent from practice Sunday

Gillislee missed Sunday's practice session for undisclosed reasons, Kevin Duffy of MassLive.com reports.

Analysis: It's unclear if Gillislee is suffering from an injury or if he was given the day off for another reason. The team hasn't expressed concern about his availability to this point, and the veteran back is expected to return to the field in the coming days.

Gillislee "did not appear to be as quick or fluid" as most of the Patriots' other running backs during positional work in the team's current voluntary OTAs, Paul Perillo of the team's official site reports.

Analysis: There's time for Gillislee to pick up the pace, but his outlook with the Patriots has changed quite a bit since last spring when he was signed to replace LeGarrette Blount as the team's "big back." His projected assignment appeared to carry TD-upside with it, but after a strong start, things fizzled out for Gillislee in 2017. He's fighting for a roster spot at this stage, with Brandon Bolden, Jeremy Hill and undrafted free agent Ralph Webb also battling for slotting behind roster locks Sony…read more

Following the Patriots' first-round selection of running back Sony Michel, Gillislee, Jeremy Hill and Brandon Bolden could end up fighting for one roster spot, WEEI.com reports.

Analysis: With Michel, Rex Burkhead and James White locks to make the team, it stands to reason that Gillislee, Hill and Bolden will jostle for depth slotting in the New England backfield. Bolden brings special-teams utility to the table and Hill was a free-agent acquisition, so reading the tea leaves, it could take an injury or two for Gillislee to stick around in the wake of a 2017 season in which he was a healthy scratch for much of the second half of the campaign.

Free-agent addition Jeremy Hill is expected to challenge Gillislee for the Patriots' power-back role, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Hill's arrival followed the departure of Dion Lewis, the team's top rusher last season. With versatile Rex Burkhead and pass-catching back James White seemingly locked into roles in the Patriots' backfield attack, Gillislee and Hill are on track to jostle for early-down and short-yardage work. It's possible that the player who lags behind in that job battle could be eventually be cut, but either way Gillislee has much to prove before regaining fantasy relevance on the heels of a 2017 campaign…read more

Gillislee may be a cap casualty for the Patriots during the offseason, Jake Levin of NBC 10 Boston reports.

Analysis: Signed to a two-year, $6.4 million contract last April, Gillislee opened 2017 as the Patriots' lead runner and scored four touchdowns the first two weeks, but averaged only 3.7 yards per carry on the season and mostly served as a healthy scratch from October onward. The 27-year-old does have a couple things working in his favor, with his front-heavy contract carrying a modest 2018 cap charge of approximately $2.2 million, while teammates Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead are set to become…read more

Gillislee finished the 2017 season with 104 carries for 383 yards and five TDs to go along with one catch for 15 yards in nine games.

Analysis: As he was at times down the stretch during the regular season, Gillislee was a healthy scratch for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Eagles. The 27-year-old scored four of his TDs in the Patriots' first two games and subsequently saw teammate Dion Lewis supplant him as the team's top back. Gillislee remains under contract with New England in 2018, but it's not out of the question that the Patriots consider parting ways with him, with the running back's contract for next season not calling for any…read more

Gillislee (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's Super Bowl against the Eagles.

Analysis: Gillislee avoided the injury report this week, suggesting the knee injury that's plagued him in the second half of the season was behind him. After calling himself a game-time decision for this game Wednesday, the relative health of the Patriots backfield likely made head coach Bill Belichick's decision an easy one. With Gillislee on the sideline again, the Patriots will rely on Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead to man the running back position.

Gillislee (knee) does not carry an injury designation for Super Bowl LII.

Analysis: Gillislee is thus slated to be available for Sunday's game against the Eagles, though with Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead also in the Patriots' backfield mix, it's possible that Gillislee could be made inactive for the contest in the event that the team chooses not to suit up four running backs.

Though not listed on the Patriots' injury report after practicing fully Wednesday, Gillislee (knee) calls himself a game-time decision for Super Bowl LII, WEEI.com reports. "As far as health-wise, I am almost there," Gillislee noted Wednesday. "I am not where I want to be. I have battled a couple of injuries this year, but I was able to be healthy this week enough to practice. That has been great."

Analysis: Given his current level of practice participation, Gillislee is clearly trending in the right direction in terms of his potential availability for Sunday's game against the Eagles. That said, Gillislee is not a lock to suit up for the contest even if he is physically capable of doing so, with Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead also in the Patriots' backfield mix.

Gillislee (knee) wasn't listed on the Patriots' injury report Wednesday.

Analysis: During the bye between championship weekend and the Super Bowl, the Patriots provided game statuses as if they were playing this past Sunday. Gillislee was listed as questionable, which likely would have resulted in inactive status due to the Pats' game-day rosters during the second half of the season. With no designation in the week immediately preceding the Super Bowl, there seems to be a chance he'll be active for the second time since Week 8. On Wednesday, Gillislee told Tom Pelissero of…read more

Gillislee (knee) was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday's posted practice estimation.

Analysis: While Gillislee's knee was not sufficiently recovered to play in the AFC championship game this past Sunday, we suspect that he'll be available for the Super Bowl against the Eagles on Feb. 4. That said, in such a scenario, he's not a lock to be active, and if he is, he'd work behind Dion Lewis, while adding depth to a running back rotation that would also include Rex Burkhead and James White.

Gillislee (knee) is inactive for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars.

Analysis: Sidelined for a third consecutive game due to a sprained knee, Gillislee will yield the backfield to Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead (knee), any of whom are viable candidates to strike against a Jacksonville defense that allowed 136.2 scrimmage yards per game to running backs during the regular season.

Gillislee (knee) isn't expected to play in Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Gillislee's knee has "not sufficiently recovered" at this stage. On the plus side for the Patriots, fellow running back Rex Burkhead (knee) is slated to be available Sunday and is on track to work in a rotation with lead back Dion Lewis and change-of-pace option James White.

Gillislee (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC championship game after practicing in a limited fashion this week.

Analysis: Gillislee -- who is bouncing back from a sprained knee ligament -- may have progressed enough to be available Sunday, though he isn't a lock to play in such a scenario, with Dion Lewis and James White ahead of him on the depth chart and Rex Burkhead (knee) a candidate to return to the Patriots' backfield mix this weekend.

Gillislee (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, Gillislee, who last suited up on Dec. 24, is bouncing back from a sprained ligament in his knee. Gillislee isn't a lock to play in Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars even if he is healthy enough to do so, with Dion Lewis, James White and Rex Burkhead (knee) -- health permitting -- also in the team's backfield mix.

Gillislee (knee) is listed as inactive Saturday versus the Titans.

Analysis: A regular scratch for most of the second half of the season, Gillislee wasn't deemed healthy enough to provide support out of the backfield in the Pats' postseason opener. Because Rex Burkhead (knee) is also out of the lineup, Dion Lewis and James White (ankle) will take on almost all the running back responsibilities.

Unlikely to play Saturday

Gillislee (knee) is not expected to participate in Saturday's showdown against the Titans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Analysis: Gillislee returned to practice Thursday in limited fashion, but it appears as though he has not recovered enough to suit up Saturday. With Rex Burkhead (knee) also expected to sit this one out, look for Dion Lewis and James White to take on the majority of the work out of the backfield. Final confirmation on Gillislee's status will be announced once the Patriots release their inactives closer to kickoff.

Listed as questionable for Saturday's game

Gillislee (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's playoff game against the Titans after returning to practice in a limited fashion Thursday.

Analysis: Given that this marked Gillislee's first practice since he was injured in Week 16, he's no lock to be made active for Saturday's contest. Moreover, even if Gillislee is available, he could still be deemed a healthy scratch as he was for a six-game stretch, when the team's other running backs were healthy, per the Boston Herald.

Gillislee (knee) was spotted at Thursday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: We'd expect that Gillislee will be listed as a limited participant Thursday, but his return to the field could foreshadow the running back being listed as questionable for Saturday's playoff game against the Titans. In such a scenario, however, Gillislee wouldn't be a lock to be made active for the contest, assuming Rex Burkhead (knee) and James White (ankle) are healthy enough to suit up this weekend.

Gillislee (knee) remained sidelined at Wednesday's practice, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Gillislee hasn't practiced since suffering the knee injury in Week 16, with his back-to-back absences Tuesday and Wednesday clouding his availability for Saturday's divisional-round game against the Titans. In any case, Dion Lewis is in line to head the Patriots backfield this weekend, but who will be available to support him in complementary roles remains up in the air. In addition to Gillislee, Rex Burkhead (knee) and James White (ankle) are working in limited fashion at practices this week.

Gillislee (knee) didn't practice Tuesday.

Analysis: Gillislee's last known activity occurred Week 16, when both Rex Burkhead (knee) and James White (ankle) were sidelined. The latter pair returned in a limited capacity Tuesday, setting themselves up to serve as change-of-pace options for starter Dion Lewis in Saturday's divisional-round game against the Titans. If Burkhead and/or White are available, Gillislee likely would be one of the Pats' inactives this weekend.

Gillislee (knee) did not take part in Thursday's practice, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Gillislee has not practiced since Week 16, but he won't be at risk of missing any games this week with the Patriots on bye in the wild-card round.

Gillislee (knee) wasn't present for the media-access portion of Wednesday's practice, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Since Gillislee reportedly isn't even in attendance for the session, it appears unlikely that he'll get in any work behind closed doors Wednesday. With the Patriots having clinched the AFC's No. 1 overall seed and not scheduled to play their first postseason game until Jan. 13, Gillislee still has ample time to recover ahead of that contest. However, with Rex Burkhead (knee) on the mend and seemingly trending toward suiting up in the divisional round, Gillislee is at risk of being made a…read more

Ruled out for Week 17

Gillislee (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: The same applies to Rex Burkhead (knee), so look for Dion Lewis to lead the Patriots' Week 17 backfield, with James White (ankle) likely to return to action Sunday in his usual change-of-pace role. Meanwhile, versatile special-teams ace Brandon Bolden will be on hand in a reserve role.

Not practicing Friday

Gillislee (knee) did not take part in Friday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

Analysis: Gillislee found paydirt last week in his first action in nearly two months, but he has not practiced this week due to his injury, so it's looking unlikely he will get a chance to back up that performance. Gillislee's official status for Week 17 will be revealed after Friday's practice comes to an end.

Gillislee (knee) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: The same applies to fellow running back Rex Burkhead (knee), and with James White (ankle) -- who was inactive in Week 16 -- still working in a limited fashion, Friday's final injury report will provide intrigue with regard to the composition of the Patriots' Week 17 backfield. The one thing that appears clear on that front is that Dion Lewis is on track to head the team's ground game Sunday against the Jets, though who will be around to back him up/work in complementary roles this weekend has…read more

Gillislee missed practice Wednesday with a knee issue, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: We'll have to see if Gillislee's absence from practice Wednesday was maintenance-related, or something that could impact his Week 17 status. If Gillislee is available Sunday against the Jets, it's not hard to imagine him remaining involved in the Patriots' ground game behind Dion Lewis, given that Rex Burkhead (knee) looks iffy, at best, for the contest and James White (ankle) is also banged up.

Gillislee (undisclosed) wasn't spotted at practice Wednesday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Per the report, Gillislee's knee was wrapped in ice following Sunday's win over the Bills, so it looks as though he could be managing that issue. Also absent from practice Wednesday was fellow running back Rex Burkhead (knee), who Gilleslee helped replace against Buffalo. Dressing for the first time in seven games, Gillislee finished that contest with six carries for 28 yards and a touchdown and gained 15 yards on his lone reception.

Gillislee carried six times for 28 yards and a TD and caught one pass for 15 yards in Sunday's 37-16 win over the Bills.

Analysis: Gillislee did just enough to modestly help those who rolled with him in Week 16, hoping he'd hit pay dirt in his return to the Patriots' backfield mix after a string of lineup scratches. Meanwhile, Dion Lewis exploded for 129 rushing yards on 24 carries, while catching five passes for 24 yards and scoring two TDs. How much work Gillislee sees in Week 17 hinges on what the Patriots are playing for, as well as the health of fellow running backs Rex Burkhead (knee) and James White (ankle).

Gillislee is active for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: With both Rex Burkhead (knee) and James White (ankle) out this week, Gillislee -- who was last active Oct. 29 -- is in line to work in tandem with Dion Lewis, who has emerged as the Patriots' lead back of late. It was presumably Gillislee's nose for the end zone that prompted the Patriots to sign the running back away from Buffalo, and it's not hard to imagine him seeing some goal-line opportunities in his return to the mix in Week 16, against his former team.

With Rex Burkhead (knee) out Sunday against the Bills, Gillislee is on track to re-enter the Patriots' backfield mix in Week 16, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: There's always an element of risk in rolling with a player who has not played for some time, in Gillislee's case since Oct. 29, but other than the running back feeling under the weather in Week 14, he's been a healthy scratch since then so he'll bring fresh legs to the table in Week 16. All four of Gillislee's TDs this season arrived in the Patriots' first two games, but it's not hard to imagine him seeing some goal-line opportunities in his anticipated return to action Sunday against his…read more

Gillislee is expected to rejoin the Patriots' game-day roster Sunday against the Bills with Rex Burkhead (knee) unlikely to be available until the postseason, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Since collecting four touchdowns in the Patriots' first two games of the season, Gillislee's inability to bust off big runs resulted in his usage declining in subsequent contests before he was effectively removed from the backfield rotation. With Dion Lewis emerging as the lead back and the more versatile Burkhead and James White representing the top complementary options, Gillislee has been inactive for the Patriots' past six games. Burkhead's absence creates a window of opportunity for…read more

Gillislee is inactive for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Gillislee has now been scratched for six straight games. Meanwhile, Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White will head the Patriots' Week 15 backfield, with core special-teamer Brandon Bolden in reserve.

Gillislee is not listed on the Patriots' Week 15 injury report.

Analysis: Gillislee -- who was under the weather heading into Monday's loss to the Dolphins -- has been inactive five straight games, as he's the odd man out behind Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White. Gillislee's power running skills may needed by the Patriots down the stretch, but for now, he's clearly off the fantasy lineup radar.

Gillislee (illness) is inactive for Monday night's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: With Gillislee inactive for the fifth straight game, Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White will head the Patriots' Week 14 backfield. Future game plans may lead to Gillislee's power running skills being needed down the stretch, but he's the odd man out for now.

Gillislee is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Dolphins with an illness, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Analysis: Gillislee was a new addition to the injury report and was unable to practice Saturday. The 27-year-old has been a healthy scratch each of the last four weeks, and currently remains the odd man out in the New England backfield regardless of if he is healthy enough to play Monday.

Gillislee is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: Injuries or future game plans may call for Gillislee's power running skills to be needed down the road, but for now at least, he's the odd man out, with Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White set to head the Patriots' Week 13 backfield.

Gillislee is inactive for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: As a result, Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White will head the Patriots' Week 12 backfield, with fellow RB Brandon Bolden also on hand, but in line to work primarily on special teams. Injuries or future game plans may lead to Gillislee's power running skills being needed again, but for now, his lack of utility in the passing game makes him the odd man out among the team's running backs.

Gillislee is inactive for Sunday's game against the Raiders.

Analysis: Gillislee will be a healthy scratch for the second consecutive week, which sets the stage for Dion Lewis, Rex Burkhead and James White to head the Patriots' backfield Sunday. Future game plans may lead to Gillislee's power running skills being needed in subsequent weeks, but for now at least, he's the odd man out.