Burkhead rushed 13 times for 39 yards and added four catches for 40 yards on five targets while also losing a fumble in Sunday's 24-12 win over the Bills.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was outplayed by both Sony Michel and James White on the ground, with both of those alternatives gaining more rushing yards and scoring a touchdown apiece. While Burkhead was New England's receiving option of choice out of the backfield this time, it wouldn't be surprising to see him cede more such opportunities to White against the Jets in Week 17, as both guys possess similar skill sets while Michel is the most talented pure rusher of the group.

Burkhead was on the field for 16 of the Patriots' 62 snaps on offense in Sunday's 17-10 loss to the Steelers, en route to carrying four times for 25 yards and hauling in all three of his targets for 18 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was once again out-snapped in Week 15 by both James White (25) and Sony Michel (23). In that time-share context, Burkhead adds depth and versatility to New England's backfield, but he isn't a reliable fantasy option.

Burkhead logged 17 of a possible 82 snaps on offense in Sunday's 34-33 loss to the Dolphins, en route to carrying four times for two yards and catching one pass for two yards.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was out-snapped by both Sony Michel (34) and James White (33), a trend that figures to continue as long as his backfield counterparts remain healthy. In his current complementary role, Burkhead isn't a reliable fantasy option, but his return to the mix adds valuable versatility and stretch run depth to New England's ground game.

In his first game back since returning from IR, Burkhead logged 17 out of a possible 74 snaps on offense in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Vikings, en route carrying seven times for 20 yards and hauling in both of his targets for 21 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Meanwhile, James White logged 33 snaps and a team-high seven catches, while Sony Michel saw action on 30 snaps and led the team with 17 carries. Burkhead's versatility will lead to his share of touches each week, but at this stage Michel is the team's preferred early-down option and White is a big part of the passing game. That may not leave enough looks for Burkhead to be a reliable fantasy option, but keep in mind that he is one backfield injury away from relevance on that front.

Burkhead is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

In his return to the mix in Week 13, Burkhead figures to work behind top back Sony Michel and pass-catching ace James White. While the versatile Burkhead is likely to be eased back into the New England backfield initially, in the coming weeks he could carve out enough of a role to merit deep-league consideration down the NFL stretch run.

Burkhead (neck) has been activated off IR in advance of Sunday's game against the Vikings, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

In his projected return to the lineup this weekend, Burkhead would work behind top back Sony Michel and pass-catching ace James White. With that in mind, ESPN's Mike Reiss projects the Patriots to mix Burkhead in every third series or so in Week 13. That may not be enough for the running back to make an immediate fantasy splash, but Burkhead could carve out enough of a role down the stretch to merit deep league consideration. Moreover, he's versatile enough to fill for either Michel or White in their specific roles in the event that injuries strike.

Updating a previous report, Burkhead (neck) made an appearance at Tuesday's practice, according to Jim McBride of The Boston Globe.

EDGE Analysis

After Burkhead wasn't spotted on the field for the portion of the session that was open to the media, there was some thought that he may have suffered a setback with the neck injury that has kept him sidelined since Week 3. Instead, Burkhead merely arrived late to work, though for good reason: he was busy witnessing the birth of his son, Jett. The new father thus seems to be trending in the right direction since resuming practice Nov. 8, potentially putting him in line to return from injured reserve when first eligible Week 13 against the Vikings.

Burkhead (neck) wasn't present for the Patriots' practice Tuesday, Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead resumed practicing Nov. 8, initiating a 21-day window for the Patriots to evaluate him for a return from injured reserve. Because IR rules mandate players to miss a minimum of eight weeks, Burkhead won't be eligible for activation until Week 13 against the Vikings. With that in mind, his absence Tuesday isn't necessarily an indication that he suffered a setback with the neck issue, as the Patriots could just being cautious with his usage in practice while his earliest possible return date remains just under two weeks away.

Burkhead (neck) returned to practice Thursday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With that, Burkhead assumes the Patriots' second (and final) designated to return IR slot. The running back isn't eligible to play in a game until Week 13, so he'll have some time to get in shape and re-prove his health with an eye toward helping the Patriots down the stretch and into the postseason. Assuming he's activated when eligible, Burkhead's fantasy prospects at that time will be tied to the status of top back Sony Michel (who is currently dealing with a knee injury) and change-of-pace stalwart James White. In any case, Burkhead's versatility would no doubt bolster the team's backfield depth and he'd provide a capable injury fill-in for either Michel and White.

The Patriots will place Burkhead (neck) on injured reserve Wednesday, Jim McBride of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

After sustaining a concussion in the Patriots' season-opening win over the Texans, Burkhead was cleared to play in the team's last two games, only to exit the Week 3 loss to the Lions with a neck injury. The Patriots didn't offer much clarity on the severity of Burkhead's injury after the game concluded, but his impending move to IR suggests it's a week-to-week concern at the very least. Burkhead will now be sidelined for a minimum of seven games with the injury, though if he demonstrates the desired progress in his recovery, he could be a candidate for one of the Patriots' two designated-to-return spots. With Burkhead now out of the backfield mix until further notice, Sony Michel profiles as the team's primary rusher, with James White likely to handle most of the work on passing downs.