Burkhead (ribs) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

With Burkhead still out, Dion Lewis figures to see some added touches in New England's Week 4 backfield while working behind James White, the Patriots' primary passing back and Mike Gillislee, the team's top power back.

Burkhead (ribs) is listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Panthers.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead returned to a limited practice Friday, a sign that he may have a chance to play this coming Thursday against the Bucs, but this weekend he's likely to be inactive. Assuming that's the case, Dion Lewis would likely be in line to see some added touches in the Patriots' Week 4 backfield while working behind Mike Gillislee and James White.

Burkhead (ribs) remained absent from practice Thursday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead looks iffy, at best, for Sunday's game against the Panthers. If he's inactive in Week 4, look for Dion Lewis to see some added touches in the Patriots' backfield while working behind Mike Gillislee and James White.

Burkhead (ribs) did not practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead still has a couple of days to get back to practice in advance of Week 4 action, but Wednesday's absence signals that his status for Sunday's game against Carolina is cloudy. If he remains out this weekend, Dion Lewis could see some added work behind Mike Gillislee, the Patriots' top power back and James White, the team's primary passing back.

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

EDGE Analysis

Per Reiss, the absence of Burkhead shouldn't really affect the roles of either Mike Gillislee, the Patriots' top power back, or James White, the team's primary passing back. The player that could pick up a few touches Sunday is Dion Lewis, who has seen limited work through the team's first two games. In such a scenario, Lewis remains a speculative fantasy play, while working behind Gillislee and White.

Burkhead (ribs) was not present for Friday's practice, Jeff Howe of the Boston Heraldreports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead sat out Wednesday and Thursday and will seemingly not get in any work Friday, making it highly unlikely he will be available for Sunday's matchup with the Texans.

Burkhead (ribs) was not working at Thursday's practice, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It remains to be seen if the Patriots are simply exercising caution with their versatile running back, but if Burkhead doesn't practice in some capacity Friday, his chances of suiting up Sunday against the Texans would not appear strong.

Burkhead (ribs) was not present for the start of practice Wednesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead left Sunday's win over the Saints with a rib injury, so this is a situation to monitor in the coming days. The versatile running back is on the fantasy radar in deeper formats, but for the time being Mike Gillislee profiles as a more reliable option in TD-heavy scoring systems, while James White continues to demonstrate utility in PPR situations.

Burkhead, who left Sunday's win over the Saints with a rib injury, was subsequently able to return to the game, working on the Patriots' punt-return unit in the fourth quarter, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead carried twice for three yards and caught three passes (on four targets) for 41 yards Sunday, including a 19-yard TD. Meanwhile, Mike Gillislee handled the bulk of the Patriots' "big back" duties in Week 2, while James White made his presence felt in the passing game. Burkhead could, however, see some added slot targets in the coming weeks, with Julian Edelman on IR and Danny Amendola (concussion/knee) banged up as Week 3 approaches.

Burkhead left Sunday's game against the Saints with a rib injury.

EDGE Analysis

Prior to his exit from Sunday's game, Burkhead carried twice for three yards and caught three passes (on four targets) for 41 yards, including a 19-yard TD. With Burkhead ailing, Mike Gillislee continues to handle the bulk of the Patriots' "big back" duties, while James White is making his presence felt in the passing game.