Rex Burkhead was activated off injured reserve on Monday, and on Thursday he was available to talk about his return. Burkhead's words with reporters were his first since Week 3, when he was placed on IR with a neck injury.
The Boston Globe says the long time away has the running back eager to return. The Boston Herald believes Burkhead will provide a boost to the offense. The Providence Journal writes that Burkhead is feeling good and ready to help.
ESPN.com has Josh Gordon talking about his excitement about contributing to a potential playoff run. Gordon calls this part of the season “Patriots football.”
ESPN.com looks at Sony Michel's decision to honor his family’s roots.
The Boston Herald looks at the bond between Brian Hoyer and Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins, who was his teammate at Michigan State.
The Athletic looks at some little things Rob Gronkowski does that make the Patriots better. Tom Brady has a chance to become the first quarterback ever named to two All-Decade teams.
NBC Sports Boston says the Patriots secondary could get a chance to bring some pressure against the Vikings. Despite perfect attendance at practice, Gronkowski returned to the injury report after a one-day absence. Devin McCourty explains why Stephon Diggs and Adam Thielen are so tough to defend.
Boston Sports Journal says Trent Brown has delivered stability in his first year at left tackle.
In Minnesota, the Star Tribune writes that the Vikings can’t afford mistakes against a team like the Patriots. In terms of matchups, the Patriots running game against the Vikings rush defense is a strength-on-strength battle to watch on Sunday.
