Rex Burkhead RB FA Sun 9/15/19 6:28 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead rushed five times for 21 yards and caught both of his targets for 47 yards in Sunday's 43-0 win over the Dolphins.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead continues to rotate in with Sony Michel and James White, but the versatile running back seems to be the No. 3 option among New England's backfield options. Barring an injury in front of him, Burkhead will have trouble getting enough volume to be a difference-maker outside of deeper formats.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Mon 9/9/19 1:22 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead logged 32 of a possible 70 snaps on offense in Sunday's 33-3 win over the Steelers, en route carrying eight times for a team-high 44 yards and hauling in five of his eight targets for 41 yards.
EDGE Analysis
Meanwhile, Sony Michel was on the field for 23 snaps, logging a team-high 15 carries for 14 yards, while James White was out there for 33 snaps, rushing four times for 26 yards and catching five of his seven targets for 56 yards. In the coming weeks, we expect Burkhead to continue to see complementary touches, which may be enough for him to merit deep-league roster consideration. That said, on early-downs, Michel will more often than not lead the way, and White is entrenched as the team's top change-of-pace back, so Burkhead figures to have his ups and downs in that context.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Fri 8/23/19 4:33 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead logged seven snaps on offense in Thursday's 10-3 preseason win over the Panthers. In the process, he ran twice for three yards and caught one pass for six yards
EDGE Analysis
The numbers are much less important than the fact that Burkhead is healthy, considering that he dealt with a knee issue leading up to Week 1 of the 2018 season. As roster cut-downs approach, Burkhead looks like a roster lock along with Sony Michel, James White, Damien Harris and Brandon Bolden. Though that's obviously a deep group, Burkhead remains a useful cog in the New England offense, thanks to his versatility. Volume figures to be an issue for him, however, as long as Michel (the starter) and White, the top change-of-pace back, are available.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Mon 8/12/19 11:30 AM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead took part in full-speed drills at Monday's practice, NESN's Zack Cox reports.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead, who sat out all three joint practices with the Lions last week, suited up for Thursday's preseason opener against Detroit but did not play. His activities Monday suggest that he could see action Saturday against the Titans, however. As the Patriots backfield is currently comprised, Burkhead remains a useful cog given his versatility. That said, volume figures to be an issue for him so long as starter Sony Michel and change-of-pace back James White are available. Additionally, rookie Damien Harris is on hand and is another candidate to see complementary touches in the New England offense.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Thu 8/8/19 7:11 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (undisclosed) is in uniform for Thursday's preseason opener against the Lions, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead sat out all three practices this week, so it's no lock that he'll play, but the fact that he's suited up for the game suggests that his unspecified issue was a minor one.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Thu 8/1/19 10:22 AM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead appeared to be limited in Thursday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.
EDGE Analysis
It's unclear exactly what may be afflicting Burkhead, but it sounds like this issue has lingered for a couple of days. Rather than participate in normal drills during Thursday's session, he was spotted heading to the conditioning field. Burkhead will face stiff competition for backfield snaps in 2019, so look for him to do whatever is in his power to get back to regular participation.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Wed 5/22/19 4:51 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead is part of a crowded Patriots' backfield that now includes third-round draft pick Damien Harris, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Meanwhile, lead back Sony Michel returns for his second season as a pro and James White remains locked in as the team's change-of-pace back. Prior to the the draft, Burkhead profiled as a versatile complementary piece behind both Michel and White, but the addition of Harris muddles Burkhead's path to carries. With Brandon Bolden back in the mix as a depth back/core special-teamer, the team's backfield now goes five deep and typically Bill Belichick prefers to keep four running backs on the team's active roster. Of course, the numbers game could easily work itself out in advance of Week 1, if/when injuries hit, but for now, it's tough to project any sort of reliable workload for Burkhead this coming season.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Sun 2/3/19 11:02 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead rushed seven times for 43 yards and brought in both of his targets for 15 yards in the Patriots' 13-3 win over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII on Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead out-touched James White by five carries, serving as Sony Michel's primary backup and making a pivotal 26-yard run on the Patriots' game-clinching drive. The versatile veteran struggled during the 2018 regular season while averaging just 3.3 yards per carry while dealing with a neck injury and sharing time with both Michel and White in the games he did suit up for. However, he remains on the books for a modest $3 million in 2019, so he would figure to have a good opportunity to hang on to a roster spot next season.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Mon 1/21/19 12:26 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead carried 12 times for 41 yards and two TDs and hauled in all four of his targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 37-31 AFC Championship win over the Chiefs.
EDGE Analysis
In chilly game conditions in Kansas City, Burkhead was a key cog in the Patriots' game script, while working behind Sony Michel (29 carries) and along with change-of-pace ace James White (four catches). Looking ahead, Burkhead will remain involved in the team's backfield plans against the Rams in Super Bowl LIII, but game flow in that contest could well result in a dip in volume for the versatile back, who previously logged four carries and one catch in New England's divisional-round win over the Chargers.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Mon 12/31/18 1:04 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead carried five times for 14 yards and added an 18-yard TD reception in Sunday's 38-3 win over the Jets.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead, who was on the field for 17 plays on offense in the contest, was once again out-snapped in Week 17 by both James White (27) and Sony Michel (25). The 28-year-old -- who missed a good chunk of time this season with a neck injury -- finishes up the 2018 campaign with 57 carries for 186 yards and 14 catches (on 20 targets) for 131 yards and a TD in eight games. Burkhead -- who is under contract with the Patriots through the 2020 campaign -- adds depth and versatility to New England's backfield, but as the playoffs approach, he isn't a reliable fantasy option as long as both Michel and White remain healthy.