The New England Patriots have been dealing with a number of injuries on offense this season and one of the biggest hits to Tom Brady has been the loss of running back Shane Vereen, as he was expected to make up for the losses of Aaron Hernandez and Danny Woodhead, but after getting injured he has been out, but his return is coming soon and that is welcome news for PPR fantasy owners and he could be back soon after Week 11.
Vereen was seen as a prime running back sleeper heading into the 2013 season, especially in PPR leagues, but after injuring his wrist following the first game against the Buffalo Bills, the ruing back had surgery and was placed on the injured reserve list with the designation to return and now that the return is coming, likely for Week 11, Vereen is a prime pickup to stash in leagues on the bench until he officially comes back. Vereen is considered a multi-purpose weapon for the Patriots and his skills out of the backfield are one reason why he is valuable in PPR and standard leagues for fantasy owners.
Vereen has not been the only player the Patriots have lost to injuries, as Vince Wilfork, Leon Washington, Stevan Ridley, Danny Amendola and Tom Brady have all been banged up at various points this season. The good news for Vereen owners and the Patriots is that according to ESPN.com, Vereen is back at practice for the team and he could be back on the field for Week 11 after the team has a bye in Week 10. That bye week could be crucial for the Patriots, as they will have time to heal up and get right and that means Vereen could be back on the field for Week 11 of the season. That game would be on Monday night football in Carolina, meaning he would get another day to rest since it is the last game of the week.
Vereen showed off what he could do for the Pats and for fantasy owners in Week 1, rushing for a career best 101 yards and also adding seven catches in the game for 58 yards. His versatility is what the Patriots love and when he comes back, it is likely that they will use him as a running back and as a split back out of the backfield to get him into space. Vereen is a prime pickup and a good trade option for teams in need of running backs, as some owners may give him up for less since he has not played a down this season.
The Patriots rushing attack is not as consistent as it was last season and while the depth chart is crowded with Brandon Bolden, Ridley and LeGarrette Blunt, Vereen should hop over a couple of those names when he returns. Vereen played in 13 games last season and had over 250 yards rushing and he showed off good hands with eight catches for 149 yards and his numbers last season were down with Woodhead there, but he is expected to get plenty of touches once he returns and he could be a huge value addition late in the season for fantasy teams.
