Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Well, it looks like Shane Vereen’s Week 1 performance was even more impressive, doesn’t it?
While rushing for over 100 yards and catching seven balls for 58 yards, it turns out that Vereen was dominating the Buffalo defense with a broken wrist. Vereen carried the workload after two Stevan Ridley fumbles, who failed to see the field in the second half of the contest. Jay Glazer from FOX Sports reported that Vereen will be sidelined for a few weeks with the injury, which is a big loss to an already depleted New England offense. So, with this news out, what are some of the fantasy implications for the coming weeks?
Well, for starters, it looks like head coach Bill Belichick won’t have a choice but to continue to roll with Ridley as the lead back. He’ll get the carries, along with a hint of LeGarrette Blount, who carried the ball seven times on Sunday. Also, Brandon Bolden will probably see some carries as well, as Ridley continues to prove that he isn’t a true ever-down back just yet. However, for passing downs, a deeper look could be veteran Leon Washington, who re-signed with the team on Saturday. For passing downs, Washington would make the most sense, as Ridley has just nine career catches compared to Washington’s 146 grabs. He is capable of hauling in around 50 balls, as he caught 47 passes with the Jets back in 2008. If you are in a very, very deep PPR league, Washington could be worth a short-term look. However, if you are in a very deep standard league, I’d pass, as Blount and Bolden will carry the ball over him.
The Patriots face the Jets on Thursday night, which is a solid matchup for these backs. However, the only one I’d obviously feel slightly comfortable starting is Ridley, who will get another chance to carry the load for New England, as well as fantasy owners.
Adam Pfeifer is a featured fantasy sports columnist for Rant Sports.
You can follow him on Twitter @aPfeiferRS.
