Rex Burkhead RB FA Mon 9/24/18 12:45 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead, who was evaluated for a neck injury in the second half of Sunday's loss to the Lions, did not return to the game, Kevin Duffy of the Boston Herald reports.
EDGE Analysis
Prior to his exit from the game, Burkhead had a minimal role in the Patriots' Week 3 offense, with rookie Sony Michel leading the team's backfield with 14 carries for 50 yards. Burkhead, who dealt with concussion symptoms leading up to Week 2, now has another injury to contend with as the Patriots commence preparations for Week 4's matchup against the Dolphins. Banged up and losing touches to Michel, Burkhead's fantasy prospects have taken a downturn since he logged18 carries for 64 yards in Week 1, a game which Michel missed as he recovered from a knee issue.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Sun 9/23/18 10:55 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead is questionable to return to Sunday's game against the Lions due to a neck injury.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead exited the game in the third quarter without seeing a carry, though he did contribute two receptions for 26 yards through the air. In his absence, Sony Michel will continue to handle the majority of between-the-tackles work while James White steps in on passing downs.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Sun 9/16/18 8:04 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) rushed six times for 22 yards and wasn't targeted in the passing game during Sunday's 31-20 loss to the Jaguars.
EDGE Analysis
New England is notoriously inconsistent with its running back usage, but things didn't look good for Burkhead in Sony Michel's (knee) debut. Michel got a team-high 10 carries and was targeted twice while James White caught seven of eight targets and added four carries. If Michel handles most of the rushing duties moving forward and White serves as the receiving back, that doesn't leave much of a role for Burkhead.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Sun 9/16/18 2:59 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) is listed as active Sunday against the Jaguars.
EDGE Analysis
Meanwhile, Sony Michel (knee) will make his season debut Sunday, with James White on hand to work in a change-of-pace/pass-catching role. While Michel's availability figures to cut into his workload, Burkhead still seems likely to head the team's Week 2 backfield committee.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Sun 9/16/18 11:23 AM 1 Comment
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) is "likely to play" Sunday against the Jaguars, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Per the report, Burkhead still needs to get through pre-game warmups without any setbacks, but it looks like he'll give it a go Sunday. Meanwhile, Sony Michel (knee) is expected to make his season debut Sunday and in a scenario where both backs play, he's a threat to cut into Burkhead's Week 2 workload.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Sat 9/15/18 5:17 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) has traveled with the Patriots to Jacksonville, Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead was able to practice in a limited fashion both Thursday and Friday, and has made significant progress after suffering a concussion last week. With Sony Michel (knee) still considered questionable, Burkhead could see a substantial amount of backfield work alongside James White if he's cleared by the team. A final decision on the 28-year-old's status likely won't be made until just prior to Sunday's 4:25 PM ET kickoff time.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Fri 9/14/18 5:20 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
EDGE Analysis
After missing practice Wednesday, Burkhead worked in a limited fashion both Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile, Sony Michel (knee) is also listed as questionable after another full week of limited sessions. That currently leaves James White and newcomer Kenjon Barner as the team's healthiest backfield options. If cleared in advance of Sunday's contest, Burkhead would likely head the Patriots' Week 2 ground attack, but chances are his status (as well as Michel's) won't be confirmed until shortly before Sunday's 4:25 ET kickoff.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Thu 9/13/18 4:23 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) was officially a limited practice participant Thursday.
EDGE Analysis
Burkhead missed practice Wednesday, so that's a step in the right direction. That said, unless the running back is medically cleared and able to practice fully Friday, he'll probably draw a "questionable" injury designation for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Thu 9/13/18 1:05 PM
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) was spotted at practice Thursday, but appeared "limited at best," Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reports.
EDGE Analysis
That Burkhead was on the field at all after missing Wednesday's session is a good sign, but we'll circle back on his status once the Patriots reveal his official level of practice participation on Thursday's injury report.
Rex Burkhead RB FA Wed 9/12/18 4:24 PM 1 Comment
Rex Burkhead
RB FA
Burkhead (concussion) didn't practice Wednesday.
EDGE Analysis
This nugget comes out of nowhere, but Burkhead's status now needs to be monitored closely in advance of Sunday's game against the Jaguars. With Jeremy Hill (knee) on IR and James White not really suited for every-down work, first-rounder Sony Michel (knee/limited) could be unveiled by the Patriots this weekend if he's deemed fit to play by the team.