Patriots RB Shane Vereen didn’t blow anybody away becau...

Aug 22, 2012

Patriots RB Shane Vereen didn’t blow anybody away because the blocking in front of him was terrible. Vereen got a dose of what Stevan Ridley saw against the Saints when he had 40 yards on eight carries against New Orleans’ top defenders.

Vereen’s output wasn’t flashy, but he showed some important traits that should keep him in this battle for the top spot.

The Patriots will always be a passing team with Tom Brady at quarterback. What they need is a running back to keep the defense honest and respect play-action passes. They need a back who will pick up the hard yards when they need it.

Basically, that’s what Vereen has done. And he’s now healthy, and hasn’t fumbled. That means the competition is back on between Vereen and Ridley, just like it should have been all along.

Fantasy Impact:

today

Buccaneers WR Mike Evans practices for second straight day

Greg Auman

0 minutes ago

Cooler weather for Bucs practice today -- Wirfs and Evans practicing again. Still no Zyon McCollum, but Troy Hill and Greg Gaines were practicing today.

Related Players: Sterling Shepard, Jalen McMillan, Trey Palmer

Fantasy Impact:

Fantastic news for fantasy managers hanging on to Mike Evans: he should be considered a WR1 option immediately.

yesterday

49ers TE George Kittle "good to go" for Week 12

KNBR

yesterday · 5:34 PM EST

“I will be playing on Sunday. Very excited, can’t pass up playing the Packers. I will be out there for sure.”

George Kittle says he’s good to go for Sunday

Related Players: Eric Saubert

Fantasy Impact:

Kittle returns to a great matchup against a Packers defense that ranks 26th in TE aFPA. He should be fired up as a high-end TE1 once again.

Bears RB D'Andre Swift misses Wednesday practice

Kevin Fishbain

yesterday · 1:29 PM EST

Per Bears head coach Matt Eberflus: Ryan Bates remains in the concussion protocol. Elijah Hicks (ankle) and D'Andre Swift (groin) won't practice.

Teven Jenkins will be limited.

Related Players: Roschon Johnson, Travis Homer

Fantasy Impact:

This is definitely a situation to keep an eye on, as Johnson would have a huge workload if Swift were to miss Week 12. Homer has three rush attempts and zero targets on the year.