Shane Vereen, Jonas Gray, LeGarrette Blount's Post-Week 12 Fantasy Reaction

The running back carousel for the New England Patriots continues to spin. In Week 12, a familiar name was added to the rotation as LeGarrette Blount made the most of his return to the team against the Detroit Lions.    

Blount, who was signed by the Pats after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, led the team in rushing and had two touchdowns in his first game back. Meanwhile, Jonas Gray was held off the field despite a breakout performance in Week 11.

Player	LeGarrette Blount	Shane Vereen	Jonas Gray
Carries-Rush Yds	12-78	8-12	0
Rush TDs	2	0	0
Rec.	0	8	0
Targets	0	9	0
Rec. Yds	0	48	0
Fantasy Points (Standard)	19.8	5.6	0

After being a featured back against the Indianapolis Colts, Gray saw his snaps taken from him by Blount. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com noted the snaps received in the first half for the three-headed-back system:

This comes just days after Gray overslept and didn't practice with the team. One man's loss is another's opportunity. Blount got the job done in the red zone again, something he's done often for the Patriots, per ESPN Stats & Info:

Shane Vereen is once again making his impact in the passing game as he's commonly depended on by Tom Brady. He might not always post huge numbers, but Vereen is a must-own player in PPR leagues.

As for Blount and Gray, the battle for playing time is likely just beginning. Blount hasn't had sensational numbers, but those goal-line carries Gray received last week are going to the recently signed back.

Going against a horrid Green Bay Packers rushing defense in Week 13, Vereen looks like the only dependable option despite his lack of carries. Owners will want to keep tabs on both Blount and Gray moving forward as either could jump out to a huge day in Lambeau Field.

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