Burkhead (knee) is listed as questionable for Saturday's playoff game against the Titans after practicing in a limited fashion Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The same applies to both James White (ankle) and Mike Gillislee (knee). The Boston Herald relays that Burkhead appeared to be favoring his knee some at practice this week, so even if he is active Saturday, Burkhead could be limited in his return to action, while working behind the team's backfield leader, Dion Lewis.

Though Burkhead is practicing this week in a limited fashion, the running back is still "heavily favoring" his left knee, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

At this stage of the week, Burkhead, who missed the final two games of the regular season, continues to sport a brace on his balky knee. We'd still tentatively expect him to be available for Saturday's playoff game against the Titans, though he could be limited some in such a scenario. Meanwhile, fellow running back James White (ankle) is also limited at practice this week, while Mike Gillislee (knee) missed his second straight practice Wednesday.

Burkhead (knee) practiced in a limited fashion Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Entering the divisional round, the Patriots backfield is under the control of Dion Lewis, but his direct backup is a question mark due to a variety of injuries. At the moment, Burkhead and James White (ankle), the most likely candidates for supplementary touches, had a cap implemented on their practice reps. Meanwhile, Mike Gillislee didn't take part at all due to a knee injury. If Burkhead ends up getting the call first Saturday against the Titans, his ability as both a runner and receiver could help him get in the act, especially in the red zone.

Burkhead (knee) was on the field for the start of practice Wednesday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

The extent of Burkhead's involvement in the session remains to be seen, but it's a positive sign nonetheless after he was unable to practice in any capacity last week before being ruled out of the regular-season finale against the Jets. Burkhead, who has missed the Patriots' last two games with the sprained left knee, will have more than a week to recover before the team kicks off postseason play in the divisional round Jan. 13 or 14. If Burkhead's knee presents no complications in subsequent practices, he should reclaim the change-of-pace role he had been filling behind starting tailback Dion Lewis.

Burkhead (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Jets, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Mike Gillislee (knee) will also be sidelined, so look for Dion Lewis to lead the team's Week 17 backfield, with James White (ankle) appearing on track to return to action Sunday in a change-of-pace role. In addition, versatile special-teams ace Brandon Bolden will be on hand to work in a reserve role.

Burkhead (knee) did not suit up for Friday's practice, Zack Cox of NESN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead has not practiced at all this week, so signs are pointing toward him missing a second straight game Sunday. His official Week 17 status will be revealed when the Patriots release their final injury report of the week.

Burkhead (knee) did not practice Thursday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead continues to trend toward inactive status for Sunday's game against the Jets. Meanwhile, fellow running back Mike Gillislee (knee) has also missed back-to-back practices. Added clarity on the Patriots' Week 17 backfield composition should arrive upon the release of Friday's injury report, with James White, who missed Week 16's game with an ankle injury, working in a limited fashion this week.

Burkhead (knee) remained sidelined at practice Wednesday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead sat out Week 16's win over the Bills and doesn't seem especially likely to return to action Sunday against the Jets. At this stage, the Patriots haven't ruled Burkhead out for their regular-season finale, but in any case we do expect him to be available for the team's postseason run.

Burkhead (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Bills, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Burkhead officially ruled out this week, look for Mike Gillislee (a healthy scratch last weekend) to be active Sunday for the first time since Oct. 29. If that happens as expected, Gillislee would join a backfield committee that also includes lead back Dion Lewis and, health-permitting, change-of-pace option James White, who is listed as questionable for Sunday's contest with an ankle injury.

Burkhead (knee) remained sidelined at Thursday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Look for Burkhead to be either listed as doubtful or ruled out for for Sunday's game against the Bills once the Patriots release their final Week 16 injury report. In the event that Burkhead is ruled out, we'd expect Mike Gillislee (a healthy scratch in Week 15) to be active this weekend for the first time since Oct. 29, joining a backfield committee that also includes lead back Dion Lewis and change-of-pace option James White.