Burkhead was on the field for 27 of a possible 86 snaps on offense in Sunday's 21-13 win over the Chargers.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead saw just four carries for 15 yards Sunday, but made a mark in the passing game, hauling a team-high seven catches (on seven targets) for 68 yards. Now that he's healthy, the versatile Burkhead is a handy weapon in the Patriots offense, though his fantasy reliability is hampered by the fact that the team's backfield rotation also includes Dion Lewis (15 carries Sunday), Mike Gillislee (11 carries) and James White (five catches in Week 8). Following the team's Week 9 bye, New England travels to Denver for a Nov. 12 showdown against the Broncos, who have been tough on both the run and the pass thus far this season.

Burkhead carried six times for 31 yards in Sunday's 23-7 win over the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

In his first action since injuring his ribs back on Sept. 17, Burkhead saw 13 snaps on offense (out of a possible 74) while working in a complementary role. Until his workload increases, either due to an injury to a teammate, or as a strategic/game-flow approach by the Patriots' coaching staff, he'll be a speculative fantasy option.

Burkhead (ribs) does not carry an injury designation for Sunday night's game against the Falcons.

EDGE Analysis

Listed as a full practice participant Friday, Burkhead is poised to return to action Sunday, though for now he's behind both James White, the team's primary pass-catching back, and Mike Gillislee, the team's top power back. Additionally, Dion Lewis is firmly in the mix as well, with the above variables creating a context that limits the versatile Burkhead's fantasy reliability, at least for the time being.

Burkhead (ribs) was limited at practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead's potential return to action Sunday against the Falcons would boost to the Patriots' backfield depth, but he's behind both James White, the team's primary pass-catching back, and Mike Gillislee, the team's top power back in the team's RB pecking order. Moreover, Dion Lewis is decidedly in the mix as well, a reality that limits Burkhead's fantasy upside, so long as his fellow ballcarriers remain healthy.

Burkhead (ribs) will not play in Sunday's matchup against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead practiced in limited fashion throughout the week, so there was optimism regarding his status for Week 6, but he apparently suffered some sort of setback Saturday. With the 27-year-old sidelined, James White and Mike Gillisliee figure to take on there usual roles in the offense.

Burkhead (ribs) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jets.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead would seem to have a decent chance to return to action after practicing in a limited fashion all week, but for now he's behind James White, the team's primary pass-catching back, and Mike Gillislee, the team's top power back, in the Patriots' RB pecking order.

Burkhead (ribs) was listed as a limited participant at practice Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead's anticipated return to action Sunday against the Jets would be a welcome boost to the Patriots' backfield depth, but the versatile running back is still behind James White, the team's primary pass-catching back, and Mike Gillislee, the team's top power back, in terms of the team's depth chart/workload pecking order.

Burkhead (knee/ribs) is expected to play in Week 6's matchup against the Jets, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead has missed three straight contests with both knee and rib injuries. His return would mean one more weapon for New England's already-lethal passing attack. It is always very hard to determine when Patriots' running backs are going to make their mark on the offense, however, with Burkhead, James White, Dion Lewis and Mike Gillislee all owning portions of the run game.

Burkhead (knee) is listed as out for Thursday's game against the Buccaneers.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead has been able to practice in a limited fashion of late, suggesting that he has a solid chance to return to action in Week 6 on Oct. 15, when the Patriots take on the Jets at home. With Burkhead still sidelined, Dion Lewis figures to see added touches in New England's Week 5 backfield while working behind James White and Mike Gillislee.

Burkhead (ribs) was listed as limited on the Patriots' Monday posted practice participation/injury report.

EDGE Analysis

Given that Burkhead has missed back-to-back games and the Patriots have a quick turnaround this week, the running back is no lock to suit up Thursday against the Buccaneers. Even if Burkhead is able to return to action in Week 5, he's still behind James White, the Patriots' primary passing back, and Mike Gillislee, the team's top power back in the team's RB pecking order.