Burkhead had two carries for minus-3 yards and caught his lone target for five yards in Sunday's 27-23 loss to the Cowboys in Week 14.
Burkhead played five snaps -- fewer than Dare Ogunbowale and Eno Benjamin -- but he was the back of choice for a key fourth-quarter drive after Dameon Pierce left with an ankle injury. Following a turnover, Houston had the ball at the Dallas four-yard line with a chance to expand its lead to two scores. Burkhead had both of his carries during that series, and Houston failed to put any points on the board. Pierce's injury will be the top issue for the Texans leading up to Sunday's home game against Kansas City. If he can't go, it will be interesting to see if Burkhead is tapped as the lead back, or if the team will turn to Ogunbowale or Benjamin.