Brandon Bolden

New England's run game might not lose much if Brandon Bolden can replicate his performance against Houston.

After Blount left in the second quarter Sunday, Bolden took over in the early-down role with James White remaining as the team's passing back.

Bolden has yet to start a game this season, but that could end Sunday.

"He's matured and grown in our system he's a dependable guy," offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels said Tuesday. "We trust him to blitz pick-up. We trust him to be in the game in those critical situations where you can get a lot of different looks in the defense. He studies hard."

The fourth-year back nearly doubled his season totals against Houston entering the game with 19 carries for 59 yards in 11 games. He finished Sunday with an additional 16 carries on 51 yards.

Bolden impressed head coach Bill Belichick against the Texans rushing for 11 yards on a third-and-8 at the end of the game to seal the win.

"The play he made at the end of the game last week against Houston was a really good play on his part," Belichick said.

LeGarrette Blount (hip) was seen on crutches, according to reports, so his status for Week 15 is up in the air. Bolden is kind of a do-it-all back, but the team has never really stuck with him for any set role for a long period of time. The Pats could very well ride Bolden and White until Blount is able to come back so this situation is worth monitoring.