Working his tail off as a rookie in 2014 certainly didn’t pay off for White right away.

He played in only three games that season and was inactive for Super Bowl XLIX, when New England defeated the Seattle Seahawks.

“It wasn’t disappointing,” White told the State Journal last week. “I was glad to have the experience. And if I ever got an opportunity to play or whatnot and find a role on this team, I would just work hard and try and help this team get back to this point. I’m just happy to be back here and be contributing.

“I’m excited to have this opportunity, and I’m not going to take it for granted.”

White sure took advantage of his increased role against the Falcons.

Lewis was healthy once again, but New England opted mostly for White on Sunday, and the Patriots’ pass-happy attack after falling behind early kept starting running back LaGarrette Blount off the field for much of the night.

White, who also rushed for 29 yards on six carries, caught check-downs and screens out of the backfield while also making plays from a wideout position.