Mike Gillislee

New Orleans Saints
Running Back #35
New Orleans Saints
Running Back #35

Mike Gillislee News

Set to visit Colts

Gillislee is slated to work out for the Colts, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Gillislee also had a workout with the Raiders, with his latest opportunity likely fueled by the fact that both Jordan Wilkins and Spencer Ware are dealing with undisclosed injuries, leaving the Colts' current backfield depth a little thin.

Aug 2, 2019 8:59 AM EST


Works out for Raiders

Gillislee had a workout with the Raiders on Wednesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Gillislee has flashed at times in his career, namely a 577-yard, eight-touchdown effort on the ground in 2016. However, the past two years have been fraught with injuries and a lack of opportunity between New England and New Orleans. The Raiders have a presumed one-two punch of rookie Josh Jacobs and pass-catching maven Jalen Richard, plus two other veteran running backs (Doug Martin and DeAndre Washington) on the roster, but the team is doing its due diligence with most of training camp and the entire preseason slate to come.

Jul 31, 2019 3:20 PM EST



Works out for Jags

Gillislee worked out for the Jaguars on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: The Jacksonville backfield behind Leonard Fournette doesn't inspire much confidence, with Alfred Blue, Benny Cunningham, Thomas Rawls and fifth-round pick Ryquell Armstead currently set to duke it out for backup work. Gillislee was released by the Patriots and then Saints early last season, ultimately finishing 2018 with 16 carries for 43 yards in four games. The 28-year-old fell out of New England's backfield rotation midway through the 2017 campaign, but he did produce eight rushing touchdowns and 5.7 yards per carry in Buffalo the year prior.

May 17, 2019 5:55 AM EST


Gets a look from Detroit

Gillislee worked out for the Lions on Thursday, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.

Analysis: Gillislee was released by the Patriots on Sept. 1 and cut by the Saints about five weeks later, finishing 2018 with 16 carries for 43 yards in four games. The 28-year-old would make sense as a potential short-yardage back in Detroit, where LeGarrette Blount presumably will be allowed to walk after turning in an ugly 2018 campaign (2.8 yards per carry). Given their various needs on defense, the Lions likely hope to go cheap behind Kerryon Johnson in the backfield.

Feb 15, 2019 8:11 AM EST


Could rejoin Patriots

Gillislee has been in contact with the Patriots, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

Analysis: A reunion makes a lot of sense after the Saints released Gillislee on Saturday. The Patriots have been carrying just two running backs on the 53-man roster, potentially creating a dangerous situation if Sony Michel or James White was to suffer an in-game injury. Gillislee probably wouldn't be a huge threat, but he might take away a few of Michel's carries.

Oct 7, 2018 4:52 PM EST



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, however, 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.

Oct 6, 2018 1:58 PM EST


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 5 and Mark Ingram set to return in Week 6, Gillislee probably does not need to be rostered in most formats.

Oct 1, 2018 10:03 AM EST


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 owned in most fantasy leagues.

Sep 25, 2018 4:53 PM EST


Eight carries in 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 in Week 5.

Sep 17, 2018 7:39 AM EST


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 a touchdown. A better game by the Saints in Week 2 against the Browns could lead to more touches for Gillislee but the running back will nevertheless be hard to trust following his poor opener.

Sep 10, 2018 6:08 AM EST


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.

Sep 7, 2018 1:05 PM EST


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 that he could carve out a role in Ingram's absence, notably in short-yardage situations. Meanwhile, the 5-foot-6, 203-pound Scott is on hand to provide a change-of-pace option and can potentially contribute as a returner.

Sep 4, 2018 2:45 PM EST


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.

Sep 2, 2018 3:02 PM EST


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.

Sep 2, 2018 6:26 AM EST


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.

Sep 1, 2018 11:21 AM EST


Scores while splitting work

Gillislee rushed 10 times for 35 yards and a touchdown in 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 feature Friday. Battling for a roster spot, Gillislee outperformed Hill, who managed 25 yards on his nine carries and wasn't targeted. With a two-yard touchdown, as well as a two-point conversion immediately after, Gillislee carries some momentum into the final exhibition outing, but can't be sure of his standing one way or another.

Aug 24, 2018 8:24 PM EST


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 and Rex Burkhead waiting in the wings -- it's unclear what Gillislee brings to the table at this point. He seems like a longshot to make the roster.

Aug 16, 2018 8:21 PM EST


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 ahead of Gillislee with Thursday's performance.

Aug 9, 2018 7:47 PM EST


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