FOXBORO – Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower expects Rams running back Todd Gurley will revert to his All-Pro persona when the two teams clash in Super Bowl LIII next Sunday in Atlanta.

Gurley was a nonfactor in the Rams’ 26-23 overtime victory against the Saints in the NFC title game.

The Rams managed 77 rushing yards on 26 attempts for a 3.0 average and five first downs. Gurley had 10 yards on four carries and was used sparingly in the second half, fueling speculation that he reinjured his left knee.

He missed the final two games of the regular season with an inflamed knee but insisted he wasn’t benched due to an injury. Gurley’s formidable capabilities as a rusher, receiver and play-action decoy make him the biggest threat in the Rams arsenal.

“They are using him in a lot more (ways) than you have seen in the past and I think that is something that really helps him,” said Hightower. “He’s a great running back with the ball in his hands and he’s a great athlete without the ball in his hands.

“So, any chance you try to get him the ball and I don’t expect them not to. We are doing everything we can to learn about him.”

The Rams finished the regular season with the league’s second-ranked offense and third best ground game. In 14 games, Gurley rushed for 1,251 yards on 256 carries for a stellar 4.9 average and 17 touchdowns. He complimented that effort with 59 receptions for 580 yards and four touchdowns.

The Rams acquired journeyman running back C.J. Anderson as an emergency fill for Gurley in the final two games of the regular season. Anderson rushed for over 100 yards in those games and, when aligned with Gurley, ran roughshod over the Dallas Cowboys in the divisional round.

Anderson torched the Boys for 123 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns. Gurley had 115 yards on 16 carries and the touchdown against the overmatched Dallas front seven. The Rams finished with 273 rushing yards and 17 rushing first downs.

Anderson carried the load against the Saints with Gurley on the sidelines. Anderson rushed for 44 yards on 16 carries.

At 5-9, 225 pounds, Anderson is shaped like a bowling ball and is a straight-ahead power back. The 6-1, 224-pound Gurley is an outside threat running the ball and can get down the field on deep routes.

“They are both good, and you saw what they can get done,” said Patriots middle linebacker Elandon Roberts.

“They both can get up and down the field and its going be a tough ball game with those two. They are definitely two different backs and one is bigger than the other.

“But at the same time, Gurley is a big back that can do this and do that. With CJ you can look at his size and think he’s slow but he cuts it and is shifty. Both of them are going to be a big challenge and they have a great offensive line up there.”