'No clear timetable' James White's return from hip surgery

New England Patriots running back James White (28) Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Report: 'No clear timetable' for Patriots RB James White's return from hip surgery

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 8/3/22

The New England Patriots re-signed longtime running back James White to a two-year, $5 million contract in mid-March. The pass-catching specialist still hasn't returned to the field since undergoing offseason hip surgery though, and his status for the start of the 2022 campaign remains unclear.

There's still no clear timetable for RB James White's return from hip surgery, per source. It's possible he remains on PUP to start the season, but the Patriots still have a few more weeks to evaluate his recovery and decide if he's ready to practice before the end of preseason.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 3, 2022

White was limited to three games in 2021 (the first time since his rookie year playing fewer than 14 contests) after being placed on injured reserve on Oct. 1 with the hip issue. He finished the season with just 12 receptions for 94 yards and 10 carries for 38 yards and one touchdown.

The 30-year-old has collected 381 receptions for 3,278 yards and 25 touchdowns on 511 targets across 95 regular-season games in his career. White has added 59 catches for 506 yards and three touchdowns in 12 postseason contests, all of which came between the 2015 and 2019 seasons.

The 2014 fourth-round pick scored the game-winning touchdown on a rushing attempt in overtime of Super Bowl LI against the Atlanta Falcons to cap off a 34-28 comeback victory. White posted a game-best 14 receptions for 110 receiving yards and one touchdown, while adding six carries for 29 yards and a score as well, nearly winning game MVP honors.

The Patriots have incoming fourth-year pro Damien Harris atop their running back depth chart, with second-year back Rhamondre Stevenson set to be the backup.

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