Dec 3, 2017; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead (34) runs the ball wide during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Photo Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
New England Patriots running back Rex Burkhead, who hasn’t played since a Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, is expected to return for Sunday’s AFC Championship Game, according to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Burkhead was reportedly close to playing Saturday in the divisional-round matchup against Tennessee, but he ended up inactive as he recovered from a sprained knee that caused him to sit out the final two regular-season games.
Burkhead, in his first season with the Patriots, rushed 64 times for 264 yards and five touchdowns in the regular season. All five of those rushing touchdowns came in his final four games. He also caught 30 passes for 254 yards and three scores.
Dion Lewis has stepped up in the Patriots’ running back-by-committee approach, rushing for a career-high 896 yards in the regular season. Lewis had 140 yards from scrimmage in Saturday’s 35-14 win over the Titans.
The versatile James White, who missed the final two games of the regular season because of an ankle injury, returned Saturday and scored two touchdowns.
New England hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
