Report: Rex Burkhead (foot) expected to be active for Patriots vs. Browns

The New England Patriots are getting a reinforcement ahead of their Week 8 matchup with the Cleveland Browns.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, running back Rex Burkhead, who is dealing with a foot injury, is expected to play on Sunday.

Patriots’ RB Rex Burkhead, who missed the past three games with a foot injury, is expected to be active today against the Browns, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 27, 2019

As Schefter mentioned, Burkhead hasn't played in any of the latest three games for the Patriots. That said, he only saw very limited action against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4 as he was dealing with the foot injury at that time as well.

So far this season, Burkhead has arguably been the Patriots' best all-around back. He has averaged 4.7 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per reception while totaling 229 yards from scrimmage. He has also converted his only goal-line carry for a touchdown.

Burkhead's presence should eat into the snap count of both Sony Michel and James White while Brandon Bolden could be relegated solely to special teams detail with Burkhead back. In what could be a rain-soaked game, having Burkhead back could be just the spark the team's struggling run game needs.

With Burkhead returning, rookie third-round running back Damien Harris may find himself on the inactives list once again. Harris hasn't had many opportunities to prove himself as a rookie, but he is demonstrating patience as he looks to make it at the NFL level.