Patriots running back Stevan Ridley ruined Fantasy owners Sunday at Buffalo when he fumbled in the second quarter and never got back in the game. We hope Bill Belichick can forgive Ridley and give him another chance.
Ridley struggled with fumbles in 2012, and the Patriots won't tolerate him putting the ball on the ground. With Ridley out, Shane Vereen took off with 14 carries for 101 yards and seven catches for 58 yards.
We expect Ridley to get another chance in Week 2 against the Jets on Thursday night, but he can't continue to fumble. He should be considered a low-end No. 2 running back going into Week 2 with the uncertainty of his playing time, but hopefully he'll get back on the field and produce.
If you own both Ridley and Vereen then consider Vereen the better option in Week 2, and Vereen should be considered a starter in all leagues. But don't give up on Ridley just yet. He'll rebound, and Vereen's breakout campaign is now fully underway.