Burkhead (knee) returned to practice Sunday, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead missed Thursday's preseason tilt against the Eagles due to a minor tear in his knee, but he was able to return for Sunday's scheduled walkthrough. Burkhead is slated to handle a bulk of the early-down work with rookie Sony Michel currently sidelined (knee), but the latter isn't expected to miss much, if any, of the regular season when the pair figures to eventually compete for touches.

Burkhead is dealing with a slight tear in his knee, according to The Athletic's Jeff Howe.

EDGE Analysis

Apparently, the tear is minor enough that Burkhead would be playing through it were this the regular season. But this explains his recent absence in camp at least. Jeremy Hill and the injured Sony Michel (knee) are Burkhead's competition for early-down work, while James White will see more work as a receiver out of the backfield.

Burkhead (undisclosed) was not present for warmups prior to Thursday's preseason game against the Eagles, Doug Kyed of NESN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The running back's next opportunity to suit up will thus arrive in next Friday's exhibition tilt against the Panthers.

Burkhead (undisclosed) isn't expected to suit up in Thursday's preseason tilt with the Eagles, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead also missed the Patriots' exhibition opener last week against the Redskins due to a minor issue, though the team hasn't relayed any details regarding the nature of the injury. In any event, it's not expected to jeopardize Burkhead's availability for the start of the regular season, when the 28-year-old could serve as the top option in a likely committee arrangement in the backfield. Burkhead's primary threat for snaps, rookie Sony Michel (knee), remains sidelined and seems in greater danger of missing regular-season action than Burkhead does.

Burkhead (undisclosed) isn't practicing Monday, Mark Daniels of The Providence Journal reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was first reported to be dealing with an injury Wednesday and was subsequently held out of Thursday's preseason win over Washington. He hasn't practiced since that game, leaving his status in question for Thursday's exhibition against the Eagles. With Sony Michel (knee) set to miss the game, New England figures to split carries between Jeremy Hill, Mike Gillislee, Ralph Webb and Brandon Bolden.

Burkhead spent part of Wednesday's practice on a rehab field, Ryan Hannable of WEEI.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

A full practice participant up to this point, Burkhead took part in the beginning of Wednesday's walkthrough before moving to a side field that's typically reserved for ailing players. While there's no indication of a serious injury, he seems unlikely to play in Thursday's preseason game against Washington.

ESPN's Mike Reiss suggests that Burkhead is "more likely to get the initial nod" over first-rounder Sony Michel this season, in terms of goal-line duty.

EDGE Analysis

Reiss points out that Michel racked up 12 fumbles in college and thus has some things to prove to the Patriots' coaching staff in terms of ball-security. Burkhead's occasional run in the role last season may give him a leg up in advance of training camp, but it's worth noting that both Mike Gillislee and Jeremy Hill could also emerge as options in close. While the team's goal-line plans are far from mapped out at this stage, the point to glean here is that the versatile Burkhead can't be overlooked, even following the high-profile addition of Michel.

First-round draft pick Sony Michel is slated to join Burkhead in the Patriots' 2018 backfield.

EDGE Analysis

The Patriots also roster pass-catching ace James White, Jeremy Hill and Mike Gillislee (for now). The addition of Michel, who draws Alvin Kamara comparisons, complicates matters from a weekly projection standpoint, but the rookie's presence will no doubt make up for the free-agent departure of 2017 team rushing leader Dion Lewis. The versatile Burkhead is thus slated to remain a valuable jack-of-all-trades option in the New England offense, but Michel is clearly the upside fantasy play in this backfield.

Burkhead's three-year contract with the Patriots has $5.5 million fully guaranteed, including all of his $1 million base salary for 2018 and $1.5 million of his $1.75 million base salary for 2019, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead provided a solid return on his one-year, $3.15 million deal last year, piling up eight touchdowns, 30 catches and 518 scrimmage yards (254 receiving) in 10 regular-season games, though he only had 12 snaps and five touches in two playoff appearances. The Patriots still have James White for passing downs and signed Jeremy Hill to compete with Mike Gilislee for a power role, but there should be plenty of room for Burkhead to contribute as a jack-of-all-trades, including some work on special teams. Dion Lewis is out of the picture, and Hill's one-year, $1.5 million contract includes only $150,000 guaranteed. The structure of Burkhead's deal all but ensures he won't be released before 2020.

Burkhead has signed a multi-year deal to remain with the Patriots, Jim McBride of the Boston Globe reports.

EDGE Analysis

As free agency approached, the Patriots took some roster hits, with fellow running back Dion Lewis having elected to join the Titans. In addition to Burkhead, the Patriots still have power back Mike Gillislee and pass-catching specialist James White under contract, which sets the stage for the team to employ some form of backfield time-share in 2018. Moreover, further depth at the position is likely to arrive via free agency or the draft, but Burkhead's versatility and nose for the end zone (eight total TDs in 10 games) are clearly assets the Patriots value.