Houston general manager Nick Caserio said Burkhead's increased role at the end of 2021 was borne "more out of need than anything else," Aaron Reiss of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

That comment suggests the team views Burkhead as a complementary piece in 2022, and not the lead back. The Texans are expected to explore the free-agent market for team-friendly, affordable options, but they could also add a back after the first round of the draft. Houston holds the third-overall pick in the draft and is thought to be looking at help on the offensive line or defense, per John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.

Burkhead recorded 12 carries for 24 yards in Sunday's 28-25 loss to the Titans. He added three receptions on four targets for 42 yards.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead accounted for 12 of the Texans' 17 carries, but he was largely bottled up on the ground. On the other hand, he delivered an impressive performance as a pass catcher, highlighted by receptions of 20 and 14 yards. Burkhead emerged as a surprisingly reliable producer down the stretch of the campaign, totaling at least 65 yards in four of his last five contests. The Texans will likely address their backfield in some fashion this offseason, but Burkhead recently signed an extension to be back in the mix for the 2022 season.

The Texans and Burkhead came to terms on a contract extension through the 2022 season Friday, Sarah Barshop of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Since signing with Houston back in June, Burkhead has held a variety of roles out of the backfield, but due to injuries and circumstance he's had a bigger one during the stretch run. Since Week 11, he's earned double-digit carries in six of seven games, helping him settle on 110 rushes for 403 yards and three touchdowns to go with 22 catches (on 28 targets) for 144 yards in 15 appearances heading into the season finale. Following Friday's extension, Burkhead joins Scottie Phillips (ankle) as the only running backs under contract with the Texans next season.

Burkhead rushed 16 times for 47 yards and caught all six of his targets for 32 more yards in Sunday's 23-7 loss to the 49ers.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead was unable to replicate his monster rushing performance (22-149-2) from a week ago, reverting to his inefficient ways (2.9 yards per carry) as the Texans' starting back. On the positive side of things, the veteran continued to see heavy usage with a team-high 22 touches. Burkhead is averaging 21 combined touches over his last three games, giving him a solid floor as a fantasy asset heading into next Sunday's matchup against the Titans.

Burkhead rushed the ball 22 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's 41-29 win over the Chargers. He added two receptions for zero yards.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead benefited from the absence of David Johnson (quadriceps) to account for 22 of the Texans' 36 rushing attempts. His effort was highlighted by long gains of 36, 25, and 14 yards, and he complemented that production with rushing scores from 15 and one yard away. When given opportunity in the past this season, Burkhead had failed to impress. He entered Sunday's game having recorded zero rushes of more than 20 yards on 67 attempts. With that in mind, even if Johnson remains sidelined for Houston's Week 17 matchup against San Francisco, it will be difficult to rely on Burkhead to replicate this performance.

Burkhead is the leading candidate to serve as the Texans' top back Sunday against the Chargers with David Johnson (quadriceps) inactive for the contest, Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Royce Freeman and Jaylen Samuels are also on hand as backfield options, but it was Burkhead who saw the bulk of the action in Week 15 against the Jaguars when the quad issue resulted in Johnson playing just 12 snaps in the 30-16 victory. Burkhead, meanwhile, carried 16 times for 41 yards to go with one reception for six yards. He should be more involved in the passing game with Johnson out of the mix, though Burkhead may struggle to replicate the carry total he saw last week if the Texans are playing from behind against Los Angeles.

Burkhead's teammate David Johnson (quadriceps) appears unlikely to play Sunday against the Chargers, Aaron Wilson of Sportstalk 790 Houston reports.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead has eight or more carries in five straight games and multiple targets in each of his last four, but with minimal big-play ability and limited scoring opportunities, it hasn't led to much production. Johnson's absence does improve the odds of a solid stat line for Burkhead, who now has only Royce Freeman as serious competition in the backfield. Burkhead took 64 percent of offensive snaps in last weeks win over Jacksonville, with 16 carries for 41 yards and one catch for six yards on three targets.

Burkhead (hip/quadriceps) rushed 16 times for 41 yards and brought in one of three targets for six yards in the Texans' 30-16 win over the Jaguars on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Burkhead managed to play through his multiple injuries and once again was the clear leader of the ground attack, though, as usual, the solid volume didn't lead to much production. The veteran back has logged double-digit carries in four of the last five contests, yet he hasn't topped the 41 rushing yards he posted Sunday all season. Burkhead will head into a Week 16 home date against the Chargers with a very modest fantasy floor.

Burkhead (hip/quadriceps) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Jaguars, Aaron Reiss of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Earlier in the week, it appeared as though Burkhead was trending toward missing the contest, but after he was able to work in a limited fashion both Thursday and Friday, he's in uniform Sunday. However, it remains to be seen how much action he'll see, with David Johnson having come off the reserve/COVID-19 list Monday. In that context, Burkhead is a hit-or-miss fantasy option, and if he's limited at all versus Jacksonville, Royce Freeman is a candidate to see added snaps.

Burkhead (hip/quadriceps) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Jaguars.

EDGE Analysis

Per Brooks Kubena of the Houston Chronicle, coach David Culley, who previously suggested that Burkhead wouldn't be available this weekend, later indicated that the running back could "possibly play." To that end, Burkhead was able to work in a limited fashion both Thursday and Friday, which gives him a chance to suit up for Sunday's 1:00 ET contest. If he is made active, Burkhead would be in line to share backfield work with David Johnson, with Royce Freeman a candidate to mix in.