Vereen finished the 2012 season with 62 carries for 251 yards with three touchdowns, while adding eight catches for 149 yards and a touchdown in 13 games.

Analysis: Vereen's first two seasons have seen him slowed by injuries, while working behind Stevan Ridley, but his three-TD effort in the opening round of the playoffs hints at the potential the Patriots saw in him when they selected him 56th overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. In 2013, he figures to see an…read more

Vereen carried the ball seven times for 41 yards and a touchdown and caught five passes for 83 yards and two receiving TDs in Sunday's 41-28 win over the Texans.

Analysis: Vereen saw added looks Sunday after Danny Woodhead suffered a thumb injury and he certainly took advantage of them. As a result, look for him to continue to see an expanded role in the New England offense next weekend in the AFC Championship game against the Ravens, even if Woodhead is available to…read more

Vereen caught one pass for four yards, which resulted in a fumble, on his only touch during Sunday's loss to the 49ers.

Analysis: Vereen didn't play another offensive snap after his fumble late in the first quarter. With fellow RB Stevan Ridley also seeing a reduced role thanks to a fumble of his own, the Patriots rolled heavily with Danny Woodhead, with the team in catch-up/passing mode. While we'd expect Vereen in Week 16…read more

Vereen was on the field for 24-of-73 snaps on offense in Monday's win over the Texans, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Vereen logged eight carries for 40 yards in the game, as he continues to work in a complementary role behind Stevan Ridley. As long as that arrangement remains in play, Vereen will be a hit-or-miss fantasy option.

Vereen carried the ball three times for 14 yards in Sunday's win over the Dolphins.

Analysis: As long as he works in the shadow of Stevan Ridley (19 carries for 71 yards Sunday) in the Patriots' offense, Vereen is going to be a hit-or-miss option, though we do expect him to see more touches in his complementary role next Monday against the Texans.

Vereen carried 10 times for 42 yards and caught two passes for 91 yards -- including an 83-yard TD -- in Thursday's win over the Jets.

Analysis: Vereen remains behind Stevan Ridley (21 carries for 97 yards) in the Patriots' RB pecking order, but if anything happens to Ridley down the road, he could turn into a valuable fantasy asset. As it is, Vereen is developing into an effective complementary option in the New England offense.

Vereen carried the ball 11 times for 40 yards and caught one pass for 11 yards in Sunday's 59-24 win over the Colts.

Analysis: Vereen continues to work behind Stevan Ridley (13 carries for 28 yards Sunday), but now that he is healthy himself, he's but an injury (to Ridley) away from making a weekly fantasy splash.

Vereen carried the ball five times for five yards and caught one pass for 11 yards in Sunday's 37-31 win over the Bills.

Analysis: Vereen will continue to see touches in the coming weeks with Brandon Bolden having three more games left to serve on his suspension. Still, with Stevan Ridley getting the bulk of the carries (22 for 98 yards Sunday), Vereen will continue to work in a backup/complementary role.

Vereen carried the ball seven times for 22 yards with a touchdown and caught one pass for 17 yards in Sunday's win over the Rams.

Analysis: Vereen is still working behind Stevan Ridley, but he's seen added looks in the last two games, with Brandon Bolden out. The Patriots are off in Week 9, but the Bills' run D has been bad enough to date to consider using Vereen in deeper formats/bye week pinches in Week 10.

Vereen was on the field for 17-of-80 of the Patriots' snaps on offense Sunday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: With Brandon Bolden (knee) out Sunday, Vereen -- who entered Week 7 with just 14 snaps all season -- was worked into the mix and actually started, but at the end of the day, both Stevan Ridley (32) and Danny Woodhead (31) saw more snaps. That said, Vereen was effective in his limited touches --…read more

Vereen carried eight times for 49 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards in Sunday's 29-26 overtime win over the Jets.

Analysis: Vereen actually drew the start Sunday, but it was still Stevan Ridley who led the team in carries, with 17 for 65 yards. Though we expect Vereen to continue to work in a complementary role, he ran well enough Sunday to make a case for added touches in the coming weeks after having been previously…read more

Vereen was in the Patriots' starting lineup Sunday against the Jets, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: We'll have to see how the carry distribution winds up at the end of the day, but out of the gate, Vereen -- who did not record a carry in Week 6 -- is surprisingly splitting carries with Stevan Ridley on Sunday.

Vereen (foot) was not on the field for any of the Patriots' 87 snaps on offense in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Vereen's lack of playing time was notable, given that Brandon Bolden left the game early with a knee injury. Whether he's not 100 percent healthy or simply not impressing the Patriots' coaching staff, Vereen has much to prove before he can be counted on from a fantasy perspective.

Vereen (foot) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Seahawks.

Analysis: Vereen, whose only carry last week was a one-yard TD, could factor into the fantasy equation at some point this season, but that would probably require Stevan Ridley to suffer an injury or continue to encounter fumbling issues.

Vereen (foot) was limited at practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Expect Vereen, whose only carry last week was a one-yard TD, to be out there this weekend, though he's a break or two away from being a viable fantasy lineup option at this point.

Vereen (foot) practiced again Thursday on a limited basis, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Vereen is probably a break or an injury away from fantasy relevance, but it's encouraging that his only carry in Week 5's s win over the Broncos was good for a one-yard touchdown.

Vereen's only carry in Sunday's win over the Broncos went for a one-yard touchdown.

Analysis: It was nice to see Vereen get some points, but he's still off the fantasy radar, with Stevan Ridley (28 carries), Brandon Bolden (14 carries) and Danny Woodhead (seven carries) getting more touches in the Patriots' offense.

Vereen (foot) is active for Sunday's game against the Broncos.

Analysis: Vereen is out there this week, but Brandon Bolden's strong effort in Week 4 has dampened Vereen's short-term upside in the New England offense.

Vereen (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: We'll verify Vereen's status prior to Sunday's kickoff, but he belongs nowhere near fantasy lineups until he enjoys some production of note, which hasn't happened to date.

Vereen (foot) was listed as limited at practice Wednesday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: There were no reported setbacks with Vereen's foot in his return to action in Week 4, but Brandon Bolden's strong effort in that game has dampened Vereen's short-term upside in the Patriots' offense.

Vereen (foot) carried once for zero yards in Sunday's win over the Bills.

Analysis: Vereen, who added one catch for five yards, figures to work his way back into a change-of-pace role, but Brandon Bolden's strong performance on Sunday suggests that he is next in line for carries in the event of a Stevan Ridley injury.

Vereen (foot) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: Good news for the Patriots' running back depth, but we'd like to see Vereen produce before endorsing him as a lineup possibility. Now that he's healthy enough to play however, he's worth stashing by those with a spot at the end of their bench, since he is but a Stevan Ridley injury way from an…read more

Vereen (foot) was limited at practice Friday and listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Vereen has yet to suit up in a regular season game, so a wait-and-see approach is in order here. Eventually, he should resurface on the field, but initially, at least, he'd be in line to work in a complementary role behind Stevan Ridley.

Vereen (foot) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Another questionable designation seems likely for the second-year back come Friday, with fantasy relevance a break or two away and obviously contingent on Vereen getting healthy.

Vereen (foot) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Analysis: Vereen seems to be inching closer to a return, but with Stevan Ridley off to a strong start and Danny Woodhead on hand as well, the Patriots can afford to take it slow with the second-year back.

Vereen (foot) was limited at practice Friday and listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Ravens, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Even if he suits up Sunday night, Vereen would be working behind Stevan Ridley, an arrangement that limits his fantasy upside for the time being.

Vereen (left foot) was limited at practice Wednesday, ESPN.com reports.

Analysis: Though he seems to be nearing a return to availability, something would probably have to happen to Stevan Ridley for Vereen to factor in much in the Patriots' offense in the near future.

Vereen (foot) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.

Analysis: With Stevan Ridley off to a strong start and Danny Woodhead on hand, the Patriots have no incentive to rush Vereen back.

Vereen (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Cardinals, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Vereen, who was limited at practice Friday, is no lock to be active Sunday and even if he is in uniform, the Patriots figure to continue to rely heavily on Stevan Ridley. A wait-and-see approach is in order here with the No. 56 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Vereen (foot) was limited at practice Thursday, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: We expect Vereen to be listed as questionable on Friday, but either way, a wait-and-see approach is prudent with Vereen, given Stevan Ridley's strong start in Week 1.

Vereen (foot) practiced in full pads Thursday for the first time since August 22, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Vereen's return to practice bodes well for his chances of being an option to be activated in Week 2, but we suspect that the Patriots will continue to rely heavily on Stevan Ridley Sunday against the Cardinals, regardless of Vereen's availability/status.

Shane Vereen: (Foot) Returns to a Limited Practice

Vereen (foot) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: That he was out there at all is encouraging, but Vereen is still iffy for Sunday's game against the Cardinals. Even if he does suit up, Stevan Ridley figures to be the Patriots' lead back after a strong Week 1.

Vereen, who had missed seven straight practice sessions with a foot injury, was spotted on the field Wednesday jogging and stretching, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: We suppose he will probably be listed as limited Wednesday, but Stevan Ridley's strong Week 1 probably gives the Patriots the luxury of not rushing Vereen back.

Shane Vereen: (Foot) Ruled Out This Week

Vereen (foot) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Titans, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: It's unclear how much action Vereen will be forced to miss, but how much of an impact he'll make upon his return to game action will most probably be tied to how effective backfield mate Stevan Ridley is out of the gate.

Vereen (foot) was the only player not spotted during the media access window of Friday's practice, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: We doubt we'll see Vereen this week, though we'll have to see how the Patriots list him officially. His absence figures to pave the way for Stevan Ridley to be busy Sunday, with Danny Woodhead and Branden Bolden also in the Pats' backfield mix to a lesser degree.

Shane Vereen: (Foot) Misses Another Practice

Vereen (foot) missed his sixth straight practice Thursday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: While the Patriots haven't elaborated on his injury, the Herald calls Vereen's ailment a foot issue, so we have some clarity on that front. At this point, we'd be surprised if Vereen does much, if anything, Sunday against the Titans. As a result, Stevan Ridley appears to be in line for plenty of…read more

Vereen (left lower leg injury) did not practice Wednesday, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: That's five consecutive practice absences for Vereen, so unless he gets things going big-time in the next couple of days, we wouldn't count on him making much, if any, impact in Sunday's game against the Titans.

Shane Vereen: Still Sidelined

Vereen (left lower leg injury) did not practice Monday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Though there hasn't been much in the way of details regarding Vereen's injury, the report interestingly notes that he (along with TE Visanthe Shiancoe) is potentially a candidate for the new "designated for return" IR listing, which can be made as early as Tuesday.

Vereen (lower leg) did not participate in Sunday's practice, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: We'll have a better feel for Vereen's Week 1 availability by mid-week, but his injury does nothing to help his chances of stealing a significant amount of carries from Stevan Ridley out of the gate.

Vereen (lower leg) was not spotted at practice Friday, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Stevan Ridley was at practice Friday, suggesting that unless Vereen gets back on the field in a hurry and looks spry when he does, that Ridley seems to be on track to head the Patriots' backfield in Week 1.

Vereen (lower leg) was not spotted in warmups prior to Wednesday's preseason game against the Giants, ESPN's Mike Reiss reports.

Analysis: Neither was Stevan Ridley and with the Patriots expected to sit or limit several key players it's hard to make too many proclamations here. Since Vereen was injured in last week's preseason game against the Bucs, however, his status will be worth monitoring in the coming days.

Vereen (left lower leg) did not practice Monday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Vereen suffered an unspecified lower left leg injury in Friday's preseason game against the Bucs, so his Monday absence is not really a surprise. So far there's no word on how much time he might miss, though the longer Vereen is sidelined, the better with regards to Stevan Ridley's chances of…read more

Vereen, who appeared to suffer an ankle injury in Friday's preseason game against the Bucs, carried just twice for minus-there yards prior to leaving the game in the first quarter.

Analysis: It's unclear as to how much, if any, time the injury will cause Vereen to miss, but any chance he had to gain ground on Stevan Ridley (16 carries for 87 yards) on Friday was stymied by his early departure.

Shane Vereen: Limps Off Friday

Vereen limped off the field during Friday's preseason game with what could be a foot or ankle injury, Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Vereen couldn't put much pressure on his left leg after limping off in the first quarter of the game. If he is forced to miss time, stock in Stevan Ridley would presumably be on the rise, while Brandon Bolden's chances of sticking with the Patriots would improve.

Vereen ran 10 times for 20 yards and added four catches for 29 yards in Monday's preseason game against the Eagles.

Analysis: Meanwhile, Stevan Ridley, who had been dinged up, ran 10 times for 25 yards in the game. In any case, as long as he can stay healthy, Vereen has a chance to carve out a nice role in the New England offense, where his ability in the passing game will get him some touches in tandem with Ridley, the…read more

Vereen could see an increase in first-team reps with Stevan Ridley having suffered a hamstring injury Thursday, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Vereen saw added reps Wednesday, likely because Ridley's ball-security issues cropped up again on Tuesday. Now, as long as Ridley is banged up, Vereen figures to have a chance to strut his stuff and make a case for a larger role in the Patriots' running back committee.

Vereen racked up 64 rushing yards on 11 carries, while adding 17 receiving yards on two catches in Thursday's preseason opener against the Saints.

Analysis: Vereen's numbers look good enough, though they were recorded mostly against the Saints' backups. Meanwhile, fellow second-year player Stevan Ridley (the favorite to head the team's RB committee) got the start at running back for the Patriots on Thursday, picking up 40 yards on eight carries.

Vereen has typically been the second or third Patriots' running back on the field in running situations of late, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: That said, Vereen has gotten plenty of reps during passing situations, a role he is well-suited for, given his ability in open space. We'll have to see how the reps are divided once the preseason slate starts, but it is clear that both Vereen and Stevan Ridley (who is emerging as the team's…read more

Both Vereen and Stevan Ridley will have an opportunity to earn a more significant role in the Patriots' offense this season in the wake of BenJarvus Green-Ellis's departure for Cincinnati, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: At first glance, a time-share seems to be on tap -- with Danny Woodhead and Joseph Addai in the mix as well -- but if Ridley can make more of an impact in the passing game or Vereen shows some skills between the tackles, then one of the two second-year backs could break away from the committee…read more

Vereen has seen some first-team reps during the Patriots' OTAs, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: We wouldn't read too much into this, but it is a reminder that Vereen is a player to keep an eye on as the offseason progresses, as he has a chance to carve out an expanded role in the wake of BenJarvus Green-Ellis' departure. The report adds that the Patriots are likely to give their running backs…read more

The departure of BenJarvus Green-Ellis opens the door for Vereen to see an expanded workload this coming season, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: While power back Stevan Ridley is the name that pops up in most people's minds in the wake of Green-Ellis' departure, Vereen, a second-round pick last year, should be on the sleeper radar, highlighted. He could prove to be a nice late-round bargain in his second year if he is able stay healthy and…read more

Vereen, who appeared in just five games and had 15 carries as a rookie while dealing with hamstring injuries, says that he is completely healthy now, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: We'll have to see whether BenJarvus Green-Ellis returns to the Patriots in 2012, but in any case, Vereen, a second-round pick last April, should be on the sleeper radar of fantasy owners. He could prove to be a nice bargain in his second year if he is able to carve of a significant role this coming…read more

Vereen was inactive for Sunday's Super Bowl loss to the Giants.

Analysis: Vereen, who was the 56th pick overall in April's draft, saw his rookie season slowed by nagging injuries, carrying just 15 times for 57 yards and a TD. Fellow rookie Stevan Ridley (a third-round pick) overtook him on the Patriots' depth chart, but if Vereen can come into training camp this summer…read more

Vereen (coach's decision) is inactive for Sunday's AFC Championship Game against the Ravens, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: The Patriots are also holding Stevan Ridley out Sunday, so they will be going with a combination of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead and Kevin Faulk against the Ravens stout run defense.

Vereen (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Bills.

Analysis: It's officially wait until next year mode for Vereen, with regards to his staus as a fantasy option.

Vereen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Bills, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Perhaps the Patriots will turn Vereen loose in Week 17, but for that to happen, he'd need to suit up -- which is not a given -- and the Pats would need to jump out to a big lead. Wait until next year on Vereen.

Vereen (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: The Patriots have something to play for in Week 17, so even if Vereen does suit up Sunday, he's unlikely to see a big workload.

Vereen (hamstring) is inactive for Saturday's game against the Dolphins.

Analysis: Perhaps the Patriots will turn Vereen loose in Week 17, but we suspect he's not going to help owners until next year rolls around.

Vereen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Saturday's game against the Dolphins, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: The clock is ticking on Vereen's chances to help those in re-draft formats, though he is a name to remember in keeper leagues.

Vereen (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: It's plausible that Vereen could make a splash in the next couple of weeks, but not probable by any means, which limits the rookie back's utility to dynasty formats.

Vereen (hamstring) is out for Sunday's game against Denver, Patriots.com reports.

Analysis: Vereen could have a significant role in the New England backfield someday, but for the time being he's unlikely to secure a role ahead of BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead, Kevin Faulk or Stevan Ridley on any consistent or predictable basis.

Vereen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Broncos, the Boston Herald reports.

Analysis: Vereen is running out of time to help those in re-draft formats, though he is a name to file ways in keeper leagues.

Vereen (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Unless injuries hit the Pats' RB corps in short order, Vereen's mostly of interest to those in dynasty leagues.

Vereen (hamstring) has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Redskins, ESPN Boston reports.

Analysis: This is Vereen's second straight missed game after he hurt his hamstring in practice a few weeks ago.

Vereen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Redskins, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Vereen could get some opportunities down the stretch, but predicting exactly when they will occur is going to be difficult, which limits his value in re-draft formats.

Vereen (hamstring) was limited at practice Wednesday, the Boston Globe reports.

Analysis: Barring some backfield injuries in New England, Vereen's best chance of helping fantasy owners this season is if the Patriots rest their starters at any point during the last couple of weeks this season.

Vereen (hamstring) is inactive for Sunday's game against the Colts.

Analysis: Vereen remains more of a factor for those in dynasty leagues at this point.

Vereen (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Colts, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: Assuming he suits up Sunday, which is something that will need to be verified, Vereen's best chance of helping out fantasy owners is the possibility that the Patriots jump out to a big lead against the 0-11 Colts on Sunday.

Vereen (hamstring) was limited at practice Thursday, the Patriots' official site reports.

Analysis: 15 Patriots were listed as limited Thursday, but both Vereen and Danny Woodhead are new additions to the injury report. Vereen's value is highest in keeper formats, especially with BenJarvus Green-Ellis healthy for the Patriots.

Vereen had seven carries for 18 yards in Sunday's win over the Eagles.

Analysis: As long as BenJarvus Green-Ellis remains healthy, Vereen is best left on the bench or on the roster of those in keeper leagues.