Burkhead wasn’t on an NFL roster in 2023. The former sixth-round pick carved out a solid NFL career for himself, winning a Super Bowl ring in 2018 with the Patriots while totaling more than 3,400 yards from scrimmage in his career. Burkhead didn’t see significant playing time until his fourth season as a pro but became a key member of the Patriots’ offense during his four seasons with the team. Burkhead averaged 45.9 yards per game in 41 regular season games during that span and totaled 58 yards on nine touches in the Super Bowl.

A free agent in March, Burkhead seems to appeal only to Nick Caserio at this point. Even though he turns 33 in July -- we can't believe we're typing this -- he held a roster spot all season and was Houston's primary passing downs back. A rational organization would have moved on from Burkhead by now. The Texans may yet again reward him with a one-year extension if Caserio remains in charge. At least he'll have fresh legs since he finished with just 26 carries on the season. 

Targeted on a key fourth-down go inside the Jacksonville red zone, Burkhead was not close to catching the ball. He would have been better off falling on a fumble in the end zone, as he did last week. Burkhead continues to generate targets from Davis Mills, but that's about it. 

There is no reason to explain the touchdown that Burkhead scored in any way other than "the most Texans touchdown of the season." He has retained his third-down role, that has no fantasy value outside of being weirdly relied on in key situations. One of his targets was a red-zone checkdown. It's a fortunate twist for the Burkhead bestballers.