Veteran running back Rex Burkhead announced his retirement from professional football on Monday after 10 seasons in the NFL. Burkhead spent four years with the Cincinnati Bengals, four seasons with the New England Patriots and his final two campaigns with the Houston Texans. The 33-year-old was initially a sixth-round pick by the Bengals in 2013 out of Nebraska. His best seasons came in New England, as he compiled 1,026 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns on 253 carries while adding 96 catches on 127 targets for 856 yards and seven more touchdowns through the air in four seasons with the Patriots. All in all, Burkhead wraps up his NFL career with 1,908 rushing yards and 17 rushing TDs and 192 catches for 1,534 receiving yards and nine touchdowns through the air in 115 regular-season games.
The Las Vegas Raiders worked out free-agent running backs Rex Burkhead and Damien Williams on Tuesday. Josh Jacobs has yet to sign his franchise tag and could possibly hold out into the start of the 2023 regular season, so the Raiders would be wise to consider adding RB depth to a list that includes Ameer Abdullah, Brandon Bolden and Zamir White, among others. The 33-year-old Burkhead had just 26 rushing attempts for 80 yards in 16 games last year with the Houston Texans, adding 37 receptions for 204 yards and a score on 51 targets. The 31-year-old Williams saw just two rushing attempts for two yards in one game for the Atlanta Falcons in 2022 due to a rib injury.
Houston Texans veteran running back Rex Burkhead wasn't involved in the running game at all in the loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17 on Sunday, but he did see five targets in the passing game, catching three of them for 10 yards in the 31-3 blowout. Even with Dameon Pierce (ankle) done for the rest of the year, the 32-year-old Burkhead remains an afterthought on early downs, as he hasn't seen a carry since Week 14 and he only has 26 rushing attempts for 80 yards in 15 games. But he remains heavily involved in the passing attack, catching 36 passes on a career-high 49 targets for 203 yards and one touchdown. In this bad Texans offense, Burkhead's pass-catching role isn't enough to make him a viable fantasy starter heading into Week 18 against the Indianapolis Colts.
Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead should see a boost in snaps on Sunday with starting running back Dameon Pierce (ankle) not playing against the Kansas City Chiefs. Burkhead has taken a backseat to Pierce this season, but the one time he played over 50% of the team's snaps, he ended up with 14 carries and eight targets. The game script for this one is unlikely to lead to a ton of running opportunities, but Burkhead's value is boosted by his receiving ability. He's worth a dart throw in DFS contests and could be used in a pinch in a deep league.
Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead is looking like a low-end flex against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 15. The 32-year-old now has an opportunity for increased touches with Damien Pierce expected to miss multiple weeks and Eno Benjamin being released. However, there isn't a clear option here with Dare Ogunbowale also in this backfield mix. For fantasy managers that are desperate, Burkhead could be a decent fill-in option based on the opportunity for volume and his skill as a pass catcher. The matchup against Kansas City isn't the best, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead (concussion) was removed from the injury report ahead of Sunday's game against the Cowboys. The 32-year-old missed last Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns due to a concussion. He was a full participant in Wednesday's practice and cleared concussion protocols. Burkhead hasn't had much of a vital role with the Texans, rushing for 83 yards on 24 carries while catching 28 passes for 164 yards and a touchdown over 11 games in 2022. Burkhead is not on the fantasy radar against the Cowboys in Week 14 and should be avoided in most leagues.
Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead (concussion) and tight end O.J. Howard are inactive for Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. Burkhead will miss his first game of the year while dealing with a head injury, while Howard is a healthy scratch for this one. Rookie Dameon Pierce will continue to lead this backfield and will be looking to break out of a recent slump in a good matchup. Enjo Benjamin and Dare Ogunbowale will see expanded roles behind Pierce with Burkhead sidelined on Sunday. Howard played a season-low 16 percent of the offensive snaps in Week 12 and finds himself on the bench this weekend. Jordan Akins should be the Texans' top pass-catching tight end against Cleveland.
Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead (concussion) practiced in full on Friday and is officially listed as questionable for a Week 13 bout with the Cleveland Browns. Burkhead did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday after suffering a concussion in Week 12 but seemingly has a chance to suit up for Sunday's contest. The veteran has recently seen a significant decline in snaps and cannot be considered for fantasy purposes. If Burkhead were to be ruled out, additional opportunities could be available for Eno Benjamin and Dare Ogunbowale.
Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead (concussion) missed a second straight day of practice this week on Thursday. Burkhead remains in the league's concussion protocol after suffering a head injury in the Week 12 loss to the Miami Dolphins. He'll have one more day to get cleared on Friday, and if he doesn't, Eno Benjamin will likely serve as the primary backup in his team debut to rookie Dameon Pierce in Week 13 against the Cleveland Browns. Burkhead played just 11 offensive snaps last week before getting injured, catching one of his two targets for a five-yard gain. He didn't see a single carry in the contest.
Houston Texans running back Rex Burkhead (concussion) did not practice Wednesday. He exited the Week 12 loss with a concussion against the Miami Dolphins and did not return. The 32-year-old will need to clear concussion protocols this week to have a chance to play Sunday against the Cleveland Browns. Burkhead hasn't been involved in Houston's offense, serving in a complementary role to starter Dameon Pierce. Even if Burkhead is cleared, fantasy managers can avoid using the veteran back against the Browns in Week 13.
