Bolden finished up the 2017 season with 13 carries for 67 yards and one catch for seven yards in 16 games.

Analysis: The 27-year-old has been with the Patriots since 2012, and he's managed to stick around that long thanks to his versatility and special-teams prowess. Bolden is slated to become a free agent this offseason, but it's not hard to imagine him re-signing with New England in order to reprise his current role with the team. Also in line to become free agents this offseason are fellow running backs Dion Lewis and Rex Burkhead, but in any case, if Bolden is brought back by the Patriots, it would not be…read more

Bolden carried nine times for 46 yards and caught one pass for seven yards in Sunday's 26-6 win over the Jets.

Analysis: With James White (ankle), Rex Burkhead (knee) and Mike Gillislee (knee) all inactive Sunday, Bolden saw work behind Dion Lewis in the Patriots' Week 17 offense. By the time the Patriots return to action following their first-round playoff bye, the team's backfield should be healthier, which will result in Bolden returning to his normal reserve RB/core special-teamer role.

With James White (ankle), Rex Burkhead (knee) and Mike Gillislee (knee) inactive Sunday, Bolden is in line to work behind Dion Lewis in Sunday's game against the Jets.

Analysis: Bolden earns his keep as a core special teams player, but he's in line to work in a complementary role behind Lewis on Sunday. It remains to be seen how extensive his workload will be, but Bolden can provide Lewis with breaks when he needs them in Week 17, plus he's a solid enough pass catcher to take on some some change-of-pace duty as well.

Bolden (groin) is active for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: Bolden was limited in practice throughout the week but won't be limited in Sunday's game. The backup running back has just two rushes for one yard through 14 games this season. However, with Rex Burkhead (knee) and James White (ankle) out, Bolden could see a couple of touches behind Dion Lewis and Mike Gillislee.

Bolden is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills with a groin injury.

Analysis: Bolden was a limited participant in practice this week to earn the questionable tag. The 27-year-old has not been a factor in the Patriots' backfield this season and should continue to serve his role on special teams if able to suit up Sunday.

Bolden did not record any snaps on offense in Thursday's 42-27 loss to the Chiefs, per ESPN's Mike Reiss.

Analysis: Bolden is clearly behind Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, James White and Dion Lewis in the Patriots' backfield pecking order, but his special teams' prowess should lead to him being on the team's active roster in most weeks' action.

The Patriots have re-signed Bolden, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Bolden, who's been associated with the Patriots since 2012, returns to reprise his depth running back/core special-teamer role. While he's versatile enough to be deployed on any down/in any situation, carries figure to be scarce for Bolden, with Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, James White and Dion Lewis also in the team's backfield.

Bolden was released on Saturday, Field Yates of ESPN reports.

Analysis: This comes as a minor surprise considering Bolden is a valuable contributor on special teams. The Patriots might still try to bring him back before Week 1 or early in the season, but there's no real path to playing time on offense behind Mike Gillislee, Rex Burkhead, James White and Dion Lewis.

Bolden appears likely to make the Patriots' final roster, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Bolden's future with the Patriots came into question this offseason when the team added Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead to a backfield that already included James White and Dion Lewis. The team may be able to keep five running backs, as Bolden and Burkhead both have track records serving as major contributors on special teams. Bolden won't have a significant role in the offense, however.

Bolden (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Bolden remains a core special-teamer for the Patriots, but given that he's clearly behind fellow RBs LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and James White in the team's offense, he's off the fantasy radar.

Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC championship game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Though Bolden is a core special-teamer for the Patriots, his fantasy value is minimal given that he is behind fellow RBs LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and James White in the team's backfield pecking order.

Bolden (knee) was limited at practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Bolden is a core special-teamer for the Patriots, but he's decidedly behind fellow RBs LeGarrette Blount, Dion Lewis and James White in the team's offense.

Bolden finished the 2016 regular season with one carry for four yards and two catches for 15 yards in 14 games for the Patriots.

Analysis: While his role in the team's offense all but vanished this past season, Bolden -- who turns 27 on Jan. 26 -- remained a core special-teamer for the Patriots in 2016. Bolden is eligible to become a free agent this offseason, but he'll be a candidate to re-sign with New England thanks to his versatility and experience in the team's system.

Bolden (knee) was on the field for just three out of the Patriots' 57 snaps on offense in Sunday's 27-16 win over the Steelers, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: In his return to action, Bolden did not record a carry or catch, though he was targeted once. Bolden remains a key special-teamer, but his fantasy value is limited as long as both LeGarrette Blount and James White remain healthy.

Bolden (knee) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Bolden's fantasy value is limited as long as both LeGarrette Blount and James White remain healthy, but his return to action Sunday is a boost to the Patriots' special teams units.

Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Steelers.

Analysis: Bolden was reduced from a limited participant earlier in the week to a practice absentee Friday, so his knee appears to be working against him heading into the weekend. With LeGarrette Blount and James White complementing one another well, Bolden has barely been used on offense, so his potential absence would mostly impact New England's special teams.

Bolden (knee) was listed as limited at Wednesday's practice.

Analysis: Bolden's continued practice participation suggests that he could be available Sunday against the Steelers, but even if he is active for the contest, he's off the fantasy radar while working behind LeGarrette Blount and James White.

Bolden (knee) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Analysis: Bolden is a key special teamer, but his fantasy value is limited as long as both LeGarrette Blount and James White remain healthy.

Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bengals.

Analysis: Bolden practiced in a limited fashion Friday, which suggests he could potentially suit up Sunday. That said, his fantasy value is limited as long as both LeGarrette Blount and James White remain healthy.

Bolden (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Analysis: If Bolden remains out Sunday against the Bengals, D.J. Foster would likely remain in the team's backfield mix this weekend, providing depth behind LeGarrette Blount and James White.

Bolden (knee) was spotted walking through the Patriots' locker room Monday without the assistance of crutches, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: While the reserve running back/special-teamer's status for this coming Sunday's game against the Bengals is unclear, this nugget would seem to hint that Bolden's knee issue is not a major one. As long as he is sidelined, though, rookie D.J. Foster is a candidate to suit up and provide the Patriots with backfield depth behind LeGarrette Blount and James White.

Bolden (knee) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Browns.

Analysis: With Bolden out, D.J. Foster is a candidate to suit up as depth back for the Patriots in Week 5, with Bolden's absence also representing a hit to the squad's special teams unit.

Bolden (knee) remained out of practice Thursday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: If Bolden is unable to play Sunday against the Browns, D.J. Foster would be a candidate to suit up as depth back for the Patriots in Week 5.

Bolden (knee) did not practice Wednesday.

Analysis: Bolden was shaken up in Week 4, so his missed practice Wednesday suggests that the reserve running back's status for Sunday's game against the Browns could be in danger.

Bolden was on the field for five of 56 snaps on offense in Sunday's 16-0 loss to the Bills, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports. In the process, Bolden caught two of his three targets for 15 yards.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Reiss adds that Bolden, who was shaken up during the contest, avoided a serious injury Sunday, but noted that it's possible the running back could miss some time.

Bolden was on the field for just two of the Patriots' 64 snaps on offense in Thursday's win over the Texans, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Power back LeGarrette Blount saw 46 snaps Thursday, while pass-catching RB James White was on the field for 16. Bolden is versatile enough to back up both Blount and White, though as long as they remain healthy, Bolden's biggest contributions will come on special teams.

Bolden was on the field for just three of the Patriots' 71 snaps on offense in Sunday's 23-21 win over the Cardinals, logging one carry for four yards, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Meanwhile, power back LeGarrette Blount recorded 42 snaps and the team's top change-of-pace option James White logged 26. With Tyler Gaffney no longer in the mix and D.J. Foster inactive Sunday, Bolden essentially backed up the two aforementioned backs. In the event that injuries hit either Blount or White, it's quite possible that either Foster (in a pass-catching role) or even practice squadder Bishop Sankey could overtake Bolden, whose weekly active status is tied to his special teams…read more

Bolden carried twice for seven yards and caught one pass for 17 yards in Thursday's preseason win over the Bears. He also lost a fumble in the contest.

Analysis: Though Dion Lewis (when healthy) and LeGarrette Blount still top the team's running back depth chart, Bolden seems bound, despite Thursday's fumble, to reprise his role in 2016 as a versatile depth back, who is also a core special teams contributor for the Patriots.

Bolden had four carries for 34 yards in Thursday's preseason opener against the Saints.

Analysis: With Dion Lewis (knee) out, Bolden split snaps with James White and LeGarrette Blount throughout the first half. Tyler Gaffney then handled most of the work after halftime, taking nine carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. Blount is still the favorite to serve as New England's top power back, but he could face pressure from both Bolden and Gaffney this preseason.

Bolden was on the field for 16 of the Patriots' 83 offensive snaps in Sunday's 20-18 loss to the Broncos in the AFC title game, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports. In the process, Bolden carried five times for 12 yards and caught two passes for 29 yards.

Analysis: The 25-year-old Bolden finished up the 2015 regular season with 63 carries for 207 yards to go along with 19 catches for 180 yards and two TDs in 15 games. Bolden remains under contract with the Patriots in 2016, which puts him on track to reprise his role with the team next season as a versatile depth back that's also a valuable special teams contributor.

Bolden was on the field for 17 of the Patriots' 60 snaps on offense in Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Dolphins, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Steven Jackson was on the field for 24 snaps, while pass-catching back James White saw 23 snaps. Bolden did carry nine times for 31 yards in the game and caught two passes for five yards, but his reduced workload in the Patriots' offense Sunday corresponded to him playing a key role on special teams, something that will likely carry into the playoffs, with Jackson the prime candidate to see early-down work for the team on that front.

ESPN's Mike Reiss relays that Bolden, who didn't play on special teams the last two weeks, worked on the Patriots' punt unit during warm-ups in advance of Sunday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Bolden is out there Sunday as an option to see some touches in the Patriots' backfield, but with pass-catching back James White on hand, and special teams duty potentially on tap for Bolden, we could see more of newcomer Steven Jackson in Week 17.

Bolden was on the field for 27 of the Patriots' 56 snaps on offense in Sunday's 26-20 overtime loss to the Jets, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports. In the process, Bolden ran a team-high nine times for 30 yards and caught five passes on seven targets for 30 yards.

Analysis: The report adds that for the second week in a row, Bolden didn't see any special teams work because of his expanded role in the Patriots' backfield. Looking ahead to Week 17, Bolden should continue to work in a committee with pass-catching back James White (22 snaps Sunday) and newcomer Steven Jackson, who saw just nine snaps in his debut with the team, but could see his role increase in the coming weeks. It's an arrangement that hampers Bolden's fantasy ceiling in the Patriots' regular season…read more

ESPN's Mike Reiss suggests that the Patriots' signing of Steven Jackson will allow the team to play Bolden "more on special teams, where he is most valuable."

Analysis: Bolden rushed 10 times for 36 yards and caught two passes for 18 yards during Sunday's win over the Titans, while newcomer Joey Iosefa led the team with 14 carries for 51 yards. Meanwhile, the addition of Jackson -- an experienced power back -- to the mix, appears to further hinder Bolden's fantasy upside down the stretch, though he retains plenty of utility to the Patriots, thanks to his versatility.

Bolden rushed 10 times for 36 yards and caught two of three targets for 18 receiving yards during Sunday's win over the Titans.

Analysis: The Patriots split their running back snaps fairly evenly, with Bolden leading the way with 29, while James White was on the field for 23 and Joey Iosefa 19, according to ESPN.com. However, Bolden was the least productive of the trio, as White caught seven passes for 71 yards and a touchdown and Iosefa rushed 14 times for 51 yards, both team-highs. It won't get any better in Week 16, as the Patriots will face a Jets defense allowing the fewest rushing yards per game and have given up the fewest…read more

Bolden is in line for an expanded workload after LeGarrette Blount was ruled out for the season due to a hip injury.

Analysis: Upon Blount's removal in the second quarter Sunday in Houston, Bolden took the reins of the backfield, for the most part, notching a season-high 16 rushes for 51 yards. Meanwhile, James White received a goal-line carry and fulfilled pass-catching duties with four receptions (on six targets) for 38 yards. The Patriots are notorious for building a game plan to suit that week's opponent, but with Blount joining Dion Lewis (knee) on the sidelines, Bolden should become a more featured option in the…read more

Brandon Bolden: Fills in for injured Blount

With LeGarrette Blount forced out by a hip injury, Bolden had a season-high 16 carries for 51 yards in Sunday's 27-6 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Blount was removed in the second quarter, leaving Bolden to serve as the power back. Though he averaged just 3.2 yards per carry, Bolden did have a few impressive runs against a tough Houston defense. James White took his only carry for a two-yard touchdown on a draw play, adding four catches for 38 yards on six targets. According to Pro Football Focus, White played 27 of the 69 offensive snaps, compared to Bolden's 35. Bolden will likely take over Blount's role if the 250-pounder misses time…read more

Bolden, who ran three times for 22 yards in Sunday's 35-28 loss to the Eagles, was on the field for 19 of the Patriots' 89 snaps on offense in the game, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Bolden, who also caught one pass for two yards (on five targets) Sunday, was less of a factor in the Patriots' Week 13 game plan than either James White (51 snaps, 10 catches) or LeGarrette Blount (26 snaps, 13 carries). As long as White and Blount remain healthy, Bolden figures to be a hit-or-miss fantasy option, though an injury to either of the two could propel him to an increased role in the team's offense.

Bolden caught all four of his targets for 81 yards and a touchdown, adding four carries for 11 yards in Sunday's 30-24 loss to the Broncos.

Analysis: Bolden burnt Broncos linebacker Danny Trevatahan on a wheel route in the fourth quarter, turning it into a 63-yard touchdown after a pair of broken tackles. Despite the impressive stat line, Bolden actually played just 15 snaps, compared to 31 for James White and 27 for LeGarrette Blount, according to Pro Football Focus. Even if he earned himself a bit more playing time, Bolden probably won't get enough work to warrant ownership outside of extremely deep leagues. He'll face the Eagles in Week…read more

Bolden, who carried four times for 15 yards in Monday's win over the Bills, was on the field for 12 of the Patriots' 67 offensive snaps, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Bolden's versatility and special teams presence are valuable to the Patriots, but he's probably a LeGarrette Blount or James White injury away from fantasy relevance.

Bolden, who ran once for minus-three yards in Sunday's win over the Giants, was on the field for just 10 of the Patriots' 73 snaps on offense in the game, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Meanwhile, LeGarrette Blount was on the field for 38 snaps, logging 19 carries, while James White was out there for 28 snaps, rushing once for five yards and catching one pass for six yards. Those looking to unearth some Week 10 PPR gold in the wake of Dion Lewis' season-ending torn ACL were no doubt disappointed Sunday, with Bolden still an injury (to Blount or White) away from a steady role in the Patriots' offense.

Bolden is a candidate to see added work in the Patriots' offense as a result of Dion Lewis' season-ending knee injury, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: That said, James White, who worked as the Patriots' top "passing back" the last time Lewis was sidelined, is also in the team's backfield mix and has a solid chance to absorb a good chunk of Lewis' previous duties. Still, Bolden's versatility could earn him added looks in the Patriots' offense going forward, and in the event of an injury to power back LeGarrette Blount, Bolden would presumably be the top option to step into that role.