Vereen gained seven yards on one carry in Thursday's preseason opener versus the Redskins.

Vereen only touched the ball once but actually got a decent amount of playing time. According to NESN's Doug Kyed, the Patriots made use of a formation on some third downs which featured both Vereen and rookie running back James White in the backfield. White may push for a role in the offense, and while Vereen thrived as part of a three-headed monster last season, it would be a bit more concerning this time around, with White -- a talented receiver -- replacing battering ram LeGarrette Blount. Of course, Vereen is an established part of the New England passing game, while White is a fourth-round rookie who still needs to prove that he deserves a role in the offense.

ESPN Patriots' reporter Mike Reiss expects Vereen to handle a plurality of the New England's running back snaps this season.

It is telling that Vereen played almost as many offensive snaps as Ridley last season despite missing eight games due to injury. With LaGarrette Blount now in Pittsburgh, the opportunity exists for Vereen to play upwards of 50% of the Patriots offensive snaps. Assuming his troublesome wrist is healthy, that kind of playing time would make Vereen a high-upside RB2 even in standard formats.

Shane Vereen says his 2013 wrist fracture still isn't fully healed.

"It's not going to feel great tomorrow, it's not going to feel awful," he said. "It won't be 100 percent probably for a while, but it's good enough and I'm working on strengthening it and getting it back." The injury cost Vereen eight games and may have contributed to his whopping nine dropped passes, which have flown under the radar. His target numbers dipped sharply down the stretch.

Shane Vereen rushed four times for 34 yards and caught five balls for 59 yards in the Patriots' AFC Championship game loss.

The Pats started in a split-back set with Vereen and FB James Develin -- not LeGarrette Blount -- behind Tom Brady. Vereen converted New England's first explosive play on a 24-yard missile from Brady late in the first quarter. He ripped off a second-quarter gain of 13 on a quick toss into the flat, and 12 more on a fourth-down play in the final quarter. Although Vereen's per-game efficiency turned out well in his first season as a primary component of New England's offense, he missed eight games with a broken wrist and his involvement took a late-season hit as the Patriots played more run-minded offense. Vereen, 25 in May, will still return as a recommended RB2/flex pick in 2014 PPR leagues.

Shane Vereen (groin) was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

It's an upgrade from Wednesday, when Vereen was listed as limited. After being held to just seven touches on 23 snaps in last week's Divisional Round win, Vereen should have a bigger role in the offense on Sunday in what figures to be a high-scoring AFC Championship Game.

Shane Vereen (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

It's not a concern for Vereen's status after he escaped last week's Divisional Round win without further injury. With the Pats far more likely to adopt a throwing mindset in Denver, Vereen should be in for more snaps and touches than he was against the Colts. Vereen was limited to seven touches and 23 snaps as the Pats used "big backs" LeGarrette Blount and Stevan Ridley to gash Indy on the ground. That formula likely won't fly in what figures to be a typical Peyton Manning/Tom Brady shootout.

Shane Vereen played on just 24-of-73 snaps (32.8 percent) in Saturday's win over the Colts.

LeGarrette Blount led Patriots running backs with 26 snaps, while Stevan Ridley filled out the committee with 23. Vereen's meager seven touches were disappointing, but that's what happens when the Patriots are nursing a lead and their big backs are gashing the defense for 5.73 yards per carry. Vereen should have a bigger role, especially as a receiver, in the AFC Championship Game. The potential absences of Kenbrell Thompkins (head) and Broncos slot CB Chris Harris (knee) would give him a boost.

Shane Vereen rushed five times for 17 yards in New England's Divisional Round win over the Colts, adding two catches for 16 yards.

Vereen could have had a bigger night as a receiver, but committed his customary wheel-route drop, and failed to haul in another catchable pass. He secured only 2-of-6 targets. Regardless, the Pats will have to keep leaning on Vereen as a receiver for the AFC Championship Game, particularly if Kenbrell Thompkins can't go.

Shane Vereen (groin) is active for Saturday's Divisional Round game against the Colts.

As is Kenbrell Thompkins (hip). Vereen played through his groin issue in Week 17, and is ready to roll in rain-soaked New England. Inactive for the Patriots are WR Aaron Dobson, OG Chris Barker, DE Jake Bequette, LB Steve Beauharnais, DB Justin Green, DT Isaac Sopoaga and TE D.J. Williams.

Shane Vereen is listed as probable for the Divisional Round.

He practiced on a limited basis early in the week, but returned to a full workout on Friday and will be in the lineup against Indianapolis. The Patriots deemphasized Vereen's late-season role in favor of a smash-mouth attack featuring LeGarrette Blount and Stevan Ridley. If Bill Belichick sees matchups in the Colts' defense he can exploit with Vereen, however, that approach could easily change in New England's first playoff game.

Shane Vereen (groin) remained limited in Thursday's practice.

The Pats are just managing Vereen's reps ahead of Saturday's Wild Card game. Vereen will be good to go against the Colts, and likely lead New England's backfield in touches.

Shane Vereen (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

Vereen was active for Week 17 and amassed 45 yards and a touchdown on five touches. He'll be ready to roll as the passing-down back this week against the Colts.

ESPN Boston projects Shane Vereen (groin) as one of the Patriots' Week 17 inactives.

Shane Vereen (groin, questionable) was limited in Friday's practice.

Vereen is shaping up as a game-time decision. He practiced on a limited basis every day this week, although the Patriots are deceptive and then some on weekly injury reports. We don't expect to have a strong feel for Vereen's Week 17 availability against Buffalo until an hour before the game starts.

Shane Vereen (groin) is participating in practice again Thursday.

Although Vereen's Week 17 status is unclear, his participation in practice every day this week means he did not sustain a serious pull in Week 16. Of course, that's of little consolation to fantasy owners that got burned when Vereen left Super Bowl week in the first quarter and never returned.

Shane Vereen (groin) was limited in Wednesday's practice.

The Patriots didn't actually practice Wednesday; it's just an estimation. Of course, with the Patriots, the practice level designations don't really tell us anything. We'll hope to learn more on Vereen later this week.

Shane Vereen (groin) is present for Tuesday's walkthrough.

Shane Vereen never returned to the Patriots' Week 16 win over the Ravens after departing in the first quarter with a groin injury.

Vereen eventually returned to the sideline, but never checked back in. He finished his day with two carries for six yards, and a four-yard touchdown catch. This being the Pats, we're unlikely to get many clues on his Week 17 status before the Patriots return to practice on Wednesday.

Shane Vereen was forced from New England's Week 16 game against the Ravens with a groin injury, and is questionable to return.

Running a deep route down the sideline, Vereen pulled up lame on the Patriots' second-to-last play of the first quarter. He didn't even finish his route. Vereen was spotted trying to stretch the injury out on the sideline, but then headed to the locker room. It's quite possible his day is through. The good news is, Vereen managed to find the end zone for a four-yard score before going down. Brandon Bolden is now in the game as the Pats' pass-catching back.

ESPN Boston credits the Dolphins defense for Shane Vereen's quiet Week 15.

The Dolphins sold out to stop Vereen, using Dannell Ellerbe and defensive backs to limit looks. It resulted in just five touches for the passing back despite 48 snaps. Simply put, Tom Brady looked toward options (Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola) that weren't as heavily defended. Vereen's role is not in doubt and he projects to find more room to operate against the Ravens come Sunday.