Burkhead can become an unrestricted free agent Wednesday when the league year begins, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was efficient with his limited opportunities while playing on a one-year, $3.15 million contract in 2017, taking 64 carries for 264 yards (4.1 average) and five touchdowns and catching 30 of 36 targets for 254 yards (7.1 per target) and three scores in 10 regular-season games. While his skill as a pass blocker and receiver came as no surprise, the extent of his contribution in the red zone was an unexpected development. With Dion Lewis likely priced out of town, Burkhead would make sense as a cheaper alternative in New England, where he'd continue to split work with pass-catching specialist James White and either Mike Gilislee or an offseason addition. Burkhead's versatility, which includes special teams work, should ensure he draws interest from a variety of teams.

Burkhead carried three times for 18 yards and hauled in his only target for 46 yards in Sunday's 41-33 loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead logged nine snaps (of a possible 76) Sunday, while James White recorded 45 snaps and Dion Lewis was out there for 21 snaps. During the regular season, Burkhead logged 64 carries for 264 yards and five TDs, while catching 30 passes for 254 yards and three TDs in 10 games. The 27-year-old is eligible to become a free agent this offseason, but we suspect that the Patriots would like to keep the versatile Burkhead around, at the right price.

Burkhead (knee) rushed once for five yards and failed to bring in his only target in Sunday's 24-20 AFC conference championship game victory over the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead's role turned out to be unexpectedly minimal in his first game action since Week 15, as his only touch turned out to be a first-half end-around rush. The fifth-year pro didn't appear to suffer any setbacks to his knee during the contest, and with lead back Dion Lewis notching just nine carries overall in his own right, it appears that his scant opportunity was essentially a byproduct of game script. Burkhead also saw fellow pass-catching specialist James White garner six touches and five total targets, a factor that also played a factor in his lack of usage. It remains to be seen how master game planner Bill Belichick will opt to utilize his three-headed backfield in Super Bowl LII, but given Burkhead's red-zone success on the ground in the latter portion of the regular season, it's likely he'll be in for a more prominent role.

Burkhead (knee) is active for Sunday's AFC championship game versus the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Returning at the perfect time, Burkhead's first appearance since Week 15 coincides with a potentially-compromised Tom Brady. If the signal caller's hand injury forces a game plan focused on the ground game and short passes, Burkhead could be in line for a busy day. Granted, Burkhead will be rotating into a backfield with starter Dion Lewis and multi-purpose RB James White, but any of the trio is a candidate to prosper.

Burkhead, who has missed the past three games with a knee injury, is on track to play in Sunday's AFC championship game against the Jaguars, ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

In his expected return to action, Burkhead is in line to be part of the team's running back rotation Sunday, working behind lead back Dion Lewis, while providing the team with another viable pass-catching option out of the backfield to go along with change-of-pace man James White.

Burkhead (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC championship game after practicing in a limited fashion all week.

EDGE Analysis

Earlier this week Ian Rapoport of NFL Network noted that Burkhead is expected to return to action this weekend after missing last Saturday's win over the Titans. If Burkhead does indeed suit up against Jacksonville, he'd provide valuable depth behind lead back Dion Lewis, as well as another viable pass-catching offense out of the Patriots' backfield, which also includes change of-pace man James White and possibly Mike Gillislee (knee), who the team lists as questionable.

Burkhead (knee) was limited at Wednesday's practice.

EDGE Analysis

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network previously relayed that Burkhead is expected to return to action for Sunday's playoff game against the Jaguars. In such a scenario, Burkhead would add valuable depth to the Patriots' backfield, while working behind lead back Dion Lewis. Moreover, Burkhead's versatility is a plus, given that besides being an option when Lewis needs a breather, he's also another back -- along with James White -- for the team to deploy in its passing game.

Burkhead (knee) is expected to be available for Sunday's AFC title game against the Jaguars, a source informed Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was listed as questionable in advance of the Patriots' win over the Titans over the weekend, but ultimately sat out after his sprained left knee prevented him from progressing to a full practice leading up to the contest. The running back, who has been sidelined since Dec. 17, should have a better shot at suiting up Sunday, though he'll likely need to increase his workload during practice this week in order to make it a reality. Given that he hasn't played in a month, Burkhead's role in the backfield could be a little more limited than normal upon his return to action.

Burkhead (knee) is listed as inactive Saturday against the Titans.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was unable to take advantage of the Patriots' first-round bye, missing his third consecutive game in the process. With Mike Gillislee (knee) also on the inactive list, the Patriots backfield will be the domain of Dion Lewis and, to a lesser extent, James White.

Burkhead (knee) is not expected to play in Saturday's tilt against the Titans, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was deemed questionable heading into the weekend, but it does not look like he has been able to recover in time. With Mike Gillislee (knee) expected to be sidelined, expect Dion Lewis and James white to handle the bulk of the work out of the backfield. A final decision on Burkhead's status will likely be revealed when the Patriots release their inactives prior to the game.