Gillislee was on the field for 24 out of the Patriots' 81 snaps on offense in Thursday's 42-27 loss to the Chiefs, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.
In the process, Gillislee logged a team-high 15 carries for 45 yards and a fantasy-friendly three TDs. Meanwhile, James White recorded 43 snaps and 10 carries for 38 yards; Rex Burkhead was on the field for 10 snaps and three carries, while Dion Lewis drew two carries on six snaps. The report notes that at halftime, Gillislee actually led the team with 17 snaps, but as the Chiefs built momentum in the game, the Patriots turned to the passing attack more, an example of how dependent on game plan and game flow the team's backfield is liable to be in any given week. What can be gleaned from Thursday's opener is that Gillislee is the Patriots' top power back. Given the team's other options at running back, the volume may not always be there for Gillislee, but his TD upside was on display in Week 1, though it's worth noting that there won't be too many game in which QB Tom Brady is held without a touchdown pass, as he was Thursday. The Patriots face the Saints on the road in Week 2, a tilt that has shootout potential.