Burkhead controls backfield in opener

Rex Burkhead operated as Houston's clear lead back in Sunday's opener vs. the Colts. He out-snapped RB Dameon Pierce 50 to 20, out-carried the rookie 14 to 11 and out-targeted him 8 to 1. Neither guy had any success on the ground, averaging 3.0 and 2.9 yards per carry, respectively. But Burkhead's usage has him on the fantasy radar for Week 2. We're still expecting Pierce's role to grow at Burkhead's expense throughout the season. But, for now, Pierce can't be trusted in fantasy lineups.

Texans RB Rex Burkhead (concussion) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Browns. RB Eno Benjamin is active for the 1st time as a Texan and could play a passing-down role behind RB Dameon Pierce.

Texans RB Rex Burkhead (concussion) is listed as questionable for this weekend’s game vs. the Browns. He got in a full practice on Friday, so he’s trending toward clearance by Sunday. Burkhead has totaled just 2 carries and 7 targets over his last 5 games, so there’s very little fantasy impact here.

Texans RB Rex Burkhead is in the concussion protocol, HC Lovie Smith said Monday. Burkhead has totaled just 2 carries and 7 targets on 59 snaps over his last 5 games, so there will be very little fantasy impact if he's unable to play vs. the Browns this weekend.

Texans RB Rex Burkhead (hip, quad) is active for today’s game vs. the Jaguars. It’s a slight surprise after HC David Culley said early in the week that Burkhead would miss this one. He figures to continue splitting backfield duties with RB David Johnson. RB Royce Freeman might also stay involved.

Texans RB Rex Burkhead (hip, quad) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. the Jaguars. HC David Culley said early this week that Burkhead wouldn't play, but he evidently has a shot after getting in limited practices on Thursday and Friday. We'll get Houston's inactives around 11:30 am ET on Sunday, but hopefully you can avoid this backfield in fantasy lineups.