Burkhead is less likely than fellow free-agent acquisition Mike Gillislee to help fill the void created by LeGarrette Blount's departure, ESPN.com's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

It seemed Burkhead might be headed for big things when the Patriots signed him to a one-year, $3.15 million contract in March, but the team then added Gillislee on a two-year, $6.4 million contract a month later, further bolstering a backfield that already had James White and Dion Lewis (hamstring). While Burkhead did average 4.6 yards on his 74 carries last season, he mostly made his mark as a special teams player and pass blocker during his four seasons in Cincinnati. Given that Gillislee averaged 5.7 yards and scored eight touchdowns on 101 carries with the Bills last season, the former Bengal may find himself with a role not all that different from the one he had with his old team. The size of the contract does suggest that the Patriots at least have plans to occasionally involve Burkhead in the offense.

The Patriots seemingly view Burkhead as a significant part of their 2017 plans, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead signed a one-year, $3.15 million contract that includes a $1.1 million signing bonus. In addition to assuring him of a roster spot, the contract suggests the Patriots expect him to contribute on offense. Burkhead was always a strong special teams contributor in Cincinnati, and last season he also demonstrated proficiency as a pass catcher, pass blocker and even as a runner. The Patriots do already have a pair of talented pass-catching backs in the form of Dion Lewis (hamstring) and James White, but they may still find a way to get Burkhead some touches.

The Patriots have signed Burkhead, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

EDGE Analysis

The 5-foot-10, 210-pounder carried 74 times for 344 yards and two TDs, while adding 17 catches for 145 yards in a part-time role with the Bengals last season. Given his ability to contribute on special teams, the addition of Burkhead could signal that the Patriots could move on from free agent reserve RB Brandon Bolden. Burkhead joins a backfield that also consists of James White, Dion Lewis, D.J. Foster and Tyler Gaffney. Meanwhile, the team's leading rusher in 2016, LeGarrette Blount, remains a free agent, though it's still possible that he could be re-signed. Alternatively, the Patriots could look to add another "big back" to replace Blount via free agency or the draft.

Burkhead is making a free-agent visit with the Patriots, ESPN's Field Yates reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead is represented by the same agent as Patriots coach Bill Belichick and profiles as a potential replacement for free agent Brandon Boldin, who has occupied a reserve tailback and special teams role for New England over recent seasons. In playing all 16 games this past year, the gritty Burkhead totaled a career-high 633 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns to go with 13 tackles and two fumbles forced.

Burkhead rushed for 119 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries while catching both of his targets for 25 yards in Sunday's 27-10 win over Baltimore.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead handled the vast majority of the rushing workload with Jeremy Hill (knee) inactive for the season finale. He didn't pick up more than 17 yards on any one play, but turned consistent modest gains into a fantastic performance. The pending free agent found pay dirt in the first and fourth quarters for his first two touchdowns of the season, helping his stock for this coming offseason. Burkhead's ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and 4.6 yards per carry average on 74 attempts this season make him a desirable asset for teams in need of help at running back.

Burkhead is expected to carry the load at running back Week 17 against the Ravens, Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

With Hill limited in Week 16, Burkhead picked up 49 offensive snaps, turning it into 12 carries for 42 yards (while tacking on four catches for 25 yards). Now that Hill is inactive, look for Burkhead to be "the bellcow," with Cedric Peerman and Tra Carson on hand for relief, if needed. It's a tough fantasy matchup, however, as the Ravens have allowed opposing running backs to score just six times all season.

Burkhead led the Bengals in rushing yards in Week 16, taking 12 carries for 42 yards along with four catches for 25 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was on the field for most of the second half after Jeremy Hill was ineffective in the first half. Hill nursed an injury for most of the week in practice and might not have been 100 percent for the game. We might see more of Burkhead in Week 17 against the Ravens.

Burkhead rushed for 32 yards on seven carries and added 18 yards on two catches in Sunday's loss to the Steelers.

EDGE Analysis

The outing snapped a two-game streak with at least 10 touches for Burkhead, though he extended his streak of games with at least 50 total yards to three. Burkhead has filled Giovani Bernard's change-of-pace role behind Jeremy Hill, but has yet to find the end zone. He's earning opportunities, however. Burkhead saw a season-high five red-zone rushes and a red-zone target on Sunday.

Burkhead rushed for 45 yards on nine carries and added a six-yard catch in Sunday's win over the Browns.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead has seen his usage increase by leaps and bounds since Giovani Bernard hit the shelf. The fourth-year back has now reached double-digit touches in back-to-back games. Though Jeremy Hill is still the top dog and Burkhead's yardage and lack of scoring don't quite make him a fantasy dynamo, he's worth keeping an eye on down the stretch as he has slid into Bernard's former role of providing a change of pace and pass-catching complement to Hill.

Burkhead was busier than normal in Sunday's win over the Eagles, getting eight carries for 38 yards and four receptions (on five targets) for 28 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead got more work than the previous week, and some of it was earlier in the game when the result wasn't already decided. He's not going to usurp Jeremy Hill for the starting job by any means, but the Bengals also want to make sure they can use two backs, at least as long as Burkhead is healthy and productive.