Shane Vereen Placed On Short Term Injured Reserve By Patriots

The hits just keep coming for the New England Patriots. The team placed running back Shane Vereen on short term injured reserve today.

The move comes shortly after the health of wide receiver Danny Amendola was put into question. Amendola suffered a groin injury in the Patriots win against the Bills on Sunday and is doubtful to play Thursday against the Jets.

Shane Vereen’s injury will have much larger impact.

After starter Steven Ridley fumbled twice, Vereen took over RB duties and helped the Patriots come from behind to beat the Bills 23-21. He finished the day with 159 all purpose yards.

As an on field weapon, Vereen is a dangerous back who makes an impact in the passing and running game.

Now the door opens back up for Steven Ridley. Ridley came out of nowhere last year to anchor the Patriots ground game. He ended the season with 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns.

After a disastrous start to his 2013 campaign though, he was benched in favor of Vereen. If there was going to be a controversy in New England, it’s safe to say there won’t be anymore.

Because Shane Vereen was placed on the short term injured reserve, he is eligible to return in eight weeks. According New England he broke a small bone in his wrist on the first play of Sunday’s game.

It’s likely Vereen will need surgery to fix his wrist. The injury is unfortunate for how promising his season began.

Here is ESPN’s report on the injury:

The loss of Shane Vereen to injured reserve will hurt the Patriots most in the passing game. Especially with Amendola missing at least a week with a groin injury.

Now New England needs stud tight end Rob Gronkowski back as soon as possible to stop all the injury bleeding.

[image via Wikimedia Commons]