According to Fox Sports, Patriots running back Shane Vereen broke a small bone in one of his wrists – an injury that will require surgery today. Vereen is expected now to miss at least a few weeks while he recovers.
The report states that Vereen, the third-year back, broke the bone early in the game against Buffalo, but managed to play through the pain and actually post the highest rushing total of any NFL ball carrier thus far in Week 1 (101 yards – Raiders QB Terrelle Pryor had 112).
Vereen's loss is bad news for the Patriots, of course, but offers fellow running back Stevan Ridley a reprieve, perhaps. Vereen subbed for Ridley after the latter fumbled twice in the Bills game (the first was ruled down by contact and thus negated). Vereen was also New England's third-leading receiver on Sunday in Orchard Park, catching 7 passes for 58 yards. His loss – for however long – is a significant blow to New England's offense, particularly in light of Ridley's continued struggles holding onto the football.
