Patriots second-year tailback Shane Vereen opened Friday night’s third preseason game as New England’s kickoff returner along with cornerback Kyle Arrington.
Stevan Ridley handled the bulk of the early rushing load. When Vereen finally got some first-team running back action on the Patriots’ third drive, he didn’t last long. Vereen hobbled off with a left foot injury and was later spotted being attended to by trainers on the sideline.
Vereen was injured for most of his rookie year, managing just 15 carries all season.
Ridley appears to be locked in as the Pats’ primary back, with pass-protection extraordinaire Danny Woodhead behind him.