34 Rex Burkhead RB

Burkhead logged 17 of a possible 82 snaps on offense in Sunday's 34-33 loss to the Dolphins, en route to carrying four times for two yards and catching one pass for two yards.

Burkhead was out-snapped by both Sony Michel (34) and James White (33), a trend that figures to continue as long as his backfield counterparts remain healthy. In his current complementary role, Burkhead isn't a reliable fantasy option, but his return to the mix adds valuable versatility and stretch run depth to New England's ground game.

In his first game back since returning from IR, Burkhead logged 17 out of a possible 74 snaps on offense in Sunday's 24-10 win over the Vikings, en route to carrying seven times for 20 yards and hauling in both of his targets for 21 yards.

Meanwhile, James White received 33 snaps and a team-high seven catches, while Sony Michel saw action on 30 snaps and led the team with 17 carries. Burkhead's versatility will lead to his share of touches each week, but at this stage Michel is the team's preferred early-down option and White is a big part of the passing game. That may not leave enough looks for Burkhead to be a reliable fantasy option, but keep in mind that he is one backfield injury away from relevance on that front.

Burkhead is active for Sunday's game against the Vikings, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe reports.

In his return to the mix in Week 13, Burkhead figures to work behind top back Sony Michel and pass-catching ace James White. While the versatile Burkhead is likely to be eased back into the New England backfield initially, in the coming weeks he could carve out enough of a role to merit deep-league consideration down the NFL stretch run.

Burkhead (neck) has been activated off IR in advance of Sunday's game against the Vikings, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

In his projected return to the lineup this weekend, Burkhead would work behind top back Sony Michel and pass-catching ace James White. With that in mind, ESPN's Mike Reiss projects the Patriots to mix Burkhead in every third series or so in Week 13. That may not be enough for the running back to make an immediate fantasy splash, but Burkhead could carve out enough of a role down the stretch to merit deep league consideration. Moreover, he's versatile enough to fill for either Michel or White in their specific roles in the event that injuries strike.

Updating a previous report, Burkhead (neck) made an appearance at Tuesday's practice, according to Jim McBride of The Boston Globe.

After Burkhead wasn't spotted on the field for the portion of the session that was open to the media, there was some thought that he may have suffered a setback with the neck injury that has kept him sidelined since Week 3. Instead, Burkhead merely arrived late to work, though for good reason: he was busy witnessing the birth of his son, Jett. The new father thus seems to be trending in the right direction since resuming practice Nov. 8, potentially putting him in line to return from injured reserve when first eligible Week 13 against the Vikings.