Has Stevan Ridley Played His Final Snap for the New England Patriots?

As the New England Patriots soldiered on to a 37-22 victory over the Buffalo Bills, fans had barely begun to grieve for the fallen Jerod Mayo when Stevan Ridley took an awkward cut, got knocked off balance and went down in a heap.

Good news wasn't forthcoming, as multiple media outlets confirmed the worst fears. 

"

Filed to ESPN: Source says RB Stevan Ridley tore his ACL and MCL.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 13, 2014 "

"

MRI confirms Patriots RB Stevan Ridley tore his ACL and MCL. Done for the year.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) October 13, 2014 "

The timing couldn't be worse for Ridley. The Patriots offense was just starting to sing, and he was just 10-12 games away from his first foray into free agency. Whether Ridley was going to cash in on a big contract will now forever remain a mystery.

He has had some very productive years—1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2012—but his yards per carry have faded each year.

Year	Rushes	Yards	YPC
2011	87	441	5.1
2012	290	1263	4.4
2013	178	773	4.3
2014	94	340	3.6

Bill Belichick is the ultimate believer in paying for the future rather than rewarding for the past. If he looks into his crystal ball on Ridley, he might not like what he sees. Ridley will be 26 at the start of his next contract, plenty young enough to be productive. However, the specter of the ACL/MCL injury will loom over all contract discussion.

It remains to be seen if and when Ridley will be available for next season. Andy Simms, Ridley's agent, was optimistic about the player's availability for the 2015 season. 

"

If you know @StevanRidley at all, then you know his attitude and character will help him get back to football ASAP. And better than ever.

— Sports Agent (@andysimms) October 13, 2014"

Whether the Patriots replace Ridley in 2015 or not, they'll need to in 2014. There are a lot of different options to look at, from close to home or miles away.

Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden and James White should all see a bit of an uptick in their snap counts, especially this Thursday against the New York Jets. None can match the physicality that Ridley brings to the team, but running directly at the likes of Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson—stalwarts on the Jets defensive line—probably isn't the best bet to begin with.

Jonas Gray, who currently resides on the Patriots practice squad, is a likely call-up for Thursday's game. He has experience in the system and exploded with a 98-yard performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason. At 5'10" and 225 pounds, Gray is a bowling ball with decisive moves.

If the Patriots choose to go the free-agent route, there are two backs who may be of some use. BenJarvus Green-Ellis would bring some familiarity to the role, but any explosiveness that he had just isn't there anymore.

Daryl Richardson—formerly of the St. Louis Rams—is currently on the Jets practice squad. He could bring some valuable information, but his toe injuries and questions on and off the field don't bode well for being a long-term option.

If the Patriots choose to address the position in the 2015 NFL draft, Todd Gurley (RB, Georgia) and Melvin Gordon (RB, Wisconsin) will be at the top of their list.

Should the Patriots find another talented option—be it Gray, White or someone new—prior to Ridley regaining his health, it might be curtains for his career in New England.