Patriots Activate Shane Vereen For Monday Night Matchup With Panthers
BOSTON (CBS) -- As expected, the Patriots will welcome back Shane Vereen on Monday night.
ESPN reported that the team plans on activating Vereen to the roster prior to the game in Carolina, and the team announced the news about four hours before kickoff. Vereen has been on injured reserve, with the designation to return, since breaking his wrist in Week 1.
"The Patriots plan to ease Vereen, who has been sidelined since Week 1, back into their offensive game plan Monday," the report said.
This week is the first which Vereen is eligible to be activated, and he appears to be ready.
Vereen, in his third season out of California, rushed for 101 yards on 14 carries in Week 1, while catching seven passes for 58 yards. It was by far his biggest day on the ground, as his previous single-game high was 49 yards.
The Patriots average 4.35 yards per rushing attempt, ranking 11th in the NFL in that category, while their 10 rushing TDs ranks them tied for seventh in the league. Stevan Ridley leads Patriots running backs with 514 yards, followed by LeGarrette Blount (312) and Brandon Bolden (205).
