Shane Vereen Undergoes Wrist Surgery; Expected to Miss "A Few Weeks"



Well, this is terrible news.


The news comes a day after Vereen paced the team with 159 total yards in New England's comeback victory. The third year back was one of only three players to really contribute on offense, joining receiver Danny Amendola (nursing an injured groin) and Julian Edelmen.

Vereen, of course, saw his workload dramatically increased when Stevan Ridley saw his second fumble of the first half returned for a touchdown. Ridley, who has had ball security issues throughout his otherwise successful career, never saw the field the rest of the game. Many assumed that the benching, combined with Vereen's big day, meant Vereen had surplanted Ridley as the team's lead back.

Sadly, Vereen's injury comes with him currently leading all running backs in rushing yards with 101.

Now the Patriots and Bill Belichick face some tough decisions. Does the talented Ridley get another chance to redeem himself? Does the running game get entirely turned over to LeGarrette Blount? How close are the injured Brandon Bolden and Leon Washington to returning?

It also leaves the Patriots dangerously bereft of healthy playmakers, especially with an extremely short turnaround to Thursday night's matchup with the hated Jets. With Vereen out and Amendola (groin) and Zach Sudfeld (hamstring) in question, the Pats could find themselves facing a good Jets defense with Julian Edelmen, whatever remains of Kenbrell Thompkins shattered ego and...anyone else? Perhaps Josh Boyce will be forced into heavier duty?

Patriots fans have long hoped that the day would come when the team's defense would have to pull its weight and occasionally carry the offense to a win. With injuries piling up on the offensive side of the ball, they might have to three short days from now.

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