Tom Brady

Tom Brady saw his first action of the preseason going 6 of 9 for 67 yards and a touchdown pass to Rex Burkhead. 

He was in the game for two offensive possessions which took him into the second quarter before he was replaced by Jimmy Garoppolo. 

Brady hit Burkhead on a short pass, which he took to the end zone for his first score as a Patriot. 

Brady also completed passes to James White, and a seven-yard pass to Brandin Cooks in the game. 

Rex Burkhead

Newcomer Rex Burkhead shows his versatility in this game.

Burkhead finished the game with seven rushes for 20 yards and caught three passes for 50 yards including the touchdown. He saw a total of 13 snaps with Brady and the first team offense. 

He was also involved in pass protection. 

Running Back Snaps Breakdown With Brady: (Out of 16 total snaps)

Burkhead: 13 

James White: 3 

Dion Lewis: 0 

Rob Gronkowski

For the first time since 2012, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski played in a preseason game. 

It was reported on Friday, August 18, that Gronkowski would not play. 

Gronkowski was on the field for 15 snaps and was not targeted.

He was effective as a run blocker, clearing room for Burkhead to take a short pass from Brady 16 yards at the end of the first quarter. 

Elandon Roberts Injured

Linebacker Elandon Roberts suffered a rib injury following a collision with teammate Jonathan Freeny. 

Roberts suffered the injury while in coverage on a slant route when the two collided.

Roberts stayed down and was carted off the field. He did not return. 

The Patriots defense is already short up front with injuries to Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise, combined with the retirement of Rob Ninkovich. 

Stephen Gostkowski

Stephen Gostkowski nailed kicks of 51, 42, and 38 yards against the Texans while making all of his field goal attempts. 

Gostkowski missed a 56-yard field goal last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Gostkowski missed five field goals and three extra points last season.