Patriots Beat: Players 'impressed' with Shane Vereen in early-down and short-yardage situations

Sep 12, 2014

Patriots players tell me they weren't happy with the way they ran the ball in the season opener and there will be a concerted effort to improve in that area Sunday in Minnesota. Shane Vereen (61 snaps) was the primary running back in the opener over Stevan Ridley (22 snaps) and Brandon Bolden (nine snaps). The team wants to feed that group a bit more, starting with Vereen. Players were impressed with how Vereen performed in early-down and short-yardage situations in the opener. Look for him to get more opportunities in those situations this week.

Fantasy Impact:

Vereen saw seven carries compared to Ridley's eight, which is more even than we were expecting heading into the season. This is great news for longtime 4for4 favorite Vereen, who is already a high-end RB2 in PPR formats without the extra carries. If he starts to get consistent looks in the running game (including red zone work, like he did in Week 1), watch out.

today

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo "plans to play" TNF

Adam Schefter

2 hours ago

San Francisco 49ers running back Isaac Guerendo plans to play Thursday night against the Los Angeles Rams despite his sprained foot, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Guerendo, who is listed as questionable, insists he "feels good," sources said.

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette *if* Guerendo is forced out, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Otherwise, consider the fourth-round rookie a fantasy RB2.

yesterday

49ers RB Isaac Guerendo listed as Questionable for TNF

Ian Rapoport

yesterday · 5:33 PM EST

— The 49ers ruled out LT Trent Williams (ankle) and S Malik Mustapha (chest), but RB Isaac Guerendo (foot) is questionable. So is Dre Greenlaw, who was full today.
— The Rams ruled out TE Tyler Higbee (knee) and Cobie Durant (chest).

Fantasy Impact:

We're projecting Patrick Taylor as the next man up in the 49ers' version of running back roulette, as he easily has the most familiarity with the team. Abanikanda can be stashed if that's not the case, but shouldn't be in starting consideration if Guerendo does indeed miss Week 15.

Rams WRs Demarcus Robinson, Jordan Whittington Questionable for TNF

Adam Schefter

yesterday · 5:30 PM EST

Rams are listing WR Demarcus Robinson (shoulder), WR Jordan Whittington (shoulder), and TE Davis Allen (shoulder) as questionable for Thursday night’s game versus the 49ers.

Related Players: Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Johnson

Fantasy Impact:

This doesn't really impact Nacua or Kupp either way, but Atwell could log a little extra work here. Consider him a very deep league WR5.