News: The Boston Globe reports running back Brandon Bolden was absent from OTA practice Tuesday after spraining his ankle while training. He's expected to return in late May/early June.
Analysis: Bolden is expected to be buried on the depth chart behind starter Stevan Ridley, among others. He's unlikely to help Fantasy owners in 2013 so long as Ridley is healthy.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden rushed the ball five times during the Week 16 win at Jacksonville Sunday. Bolden finished with just 3 yards on the ground, however. He was not targeted in the passing game by quarterback Tom Brady.
Analysis: Bolden saw some touches against the Jaguars but was clearly the third-string back behind Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead. Bolden is not a major offensive weapon for the Patriots at this time heading into Week 17 in the regular-season finale against Miami. Bolden is not a recommended option in Fantasy for the final week of the season.
News: After being activated to the 53-man roster earlier in the day, Patriots running back Brandon Bolden returned to action in Week 14 against the Texans. He gained 11 yards on two carries in the 42-14 win. “It felt good,” Bolden told the Boston Herald. “Missing four weeks, you try not to get out of shape or anything like that. you try to keep yourself active. It felt good getting out there for the first time. I did pretty good, I think.”
Analysis: Bolden was suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances. It looks as though he has been passed on the depth chart by Shane Vereen but he should see minimal touches down the stretch. Owners in the deepest of Fantasy formats should be the only ones concerned about the 22-year-old at this point, however.
News: The Patriots activated running back Brandon Bolden from suspension Monday. Bolden was suspended four games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances.
Analysis: Bolden is eligible to play in Week 14 against the Texans but the Patriots might choose to hold him back. He was seeing some decent touches out of the backfield before getting hit with the suspension but it is unsure if he will return to backing up Stevan Ridley so keep an eye on the situation going forward. Owners in the deepest of Fantasy formats should be the only ones concerned about the 22-year-old down the stretch.
News: New England running back Brandon Bolden has been suspended four games without pay for violating the league's policy on performance enhancing substances, according to a statement from the league office Friday. Bolden's suspension will take effect immediately and will be eligible to return to the team's active roster on Dec. 3 leading up to Week 14 against the Texans.
Analysis: Bolden was getting set to face the Bills for the second time this season, which he had his breakout game for 137 yards and a touchdown earlier in Week 3. It's a blow to the depth of the Patriots' deep rushing attack, who will now likely rely on Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen to take the load, while Danny Woodhead catches passes out of the backfield. Bolden had not been active since Week 6 and should not be relied on in any Fantasy formats moving forward.
News: New England running back Brandon Bolden was suspended for four games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing substances, the league announced Friday. Bolden, who will begin serving the suspension immediately, is eligible to return Week 14 against Houston. Bolden has been dealing with a knee injury recently and has not been able to take part in practice throughout the past week.
Analysis: Since rushing for a career-high 137 yards against Buffalo in Week 4, Bolden has seemingly fallen out of the rotation for carries as the injury has forced him to miss the past two games. Now, the rookie out of Ole Miss will be sidelined until December, which could put him further behind Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen for carries. For now, Fantasy owners should hang onto him only in deeper formats.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (knee) did not return to practice Thursday, hurting his chances of playing Week 10 vs. Buffalo. Bolden has missed the last two games because of the knee injury.
Analysis: The fact Bolden is not back practicing after the bye week is discouraging. Although, the Patriots probably can beat the Bills without him, so they can remain cautious with his recovery. If Bolden's status improves, then we will let you know. For now, look toward healthier alternatives Week 10.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (knee) did not return to practice Wednesday as the team prepares for Week 10 vs. Buffalo. Bolden has missed the last two games because of the injury.
Analysis: The fact Bolden is not back practicing after the bye week is discouraging. Although, the Patriots probably can beat the Bills without him, so they can remain cautious with his recovery. If Bolden's status improves, then we will let you know. For now, look toward healthier alternatives Week 10.
News: New England running back Brandon Bolden is inactive for the Week 8 game at St. Louis played in London Sunday. Bolden also sat out Week 7 with a knee injury and was unable to get back on the field against the Rams.
Analysis: The Patriots got great play out of Shane Vereen last week, so it seems the team doesn't have to rush Bolden back into action. However, when he does return, he will be faced with a crowded backfield situaton. Bolden will have to compete for reps with Vereen, Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead. Bolden is still worth holding onto in deep Fantasy formats, but look to healthier alternatives Week 8.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden, who sat out Week 7 with a knee injury, did not return to practice Thursday, decreasing his chances of playing Week 8 at St. Louis (game being played in London). The Rams haven't allowed a running back to score a touchdown in three straight games. Running backs did manage five touchdowns (one receiving) in the first four games against St. Louis this season. Running backs average 15.3 Fantasy points, 72.7 rushing yards and 40.3 receiving yards per game against St. Louis.
Analysis: The Patriots got great play out of Shane Vereen last week, so it seems the team doesn't have to rush Bolden back into action. However, when he does return, he will be faced with a crowded backfield situaton. Bolden will have to compete for reps with Vereen, Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead. Bolden is still worth holding onto in deep Fantasy formats, but look toward healthier alternatives Week 8.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden, who sat out Week 7 with a knee injury, did not return to practice Wednesday. He also missed Tuesday's walkthrough, putting his status for Week 8 at St. Louis (game being played in London) in jeopardy. The Rams haven't allowed a running back to score a touchdown in three straight games. Running backs did manage five touchdowns (one receiving) in the first four games against St. Louis this season. Running backs average 15.3 Fantasy points, 72.7 rushing yards and 40.3 receiving yards per game against St. Louis.
Analysis: The Patriots got great play out of Shane Vereen last week, so it seems the team doesn't have to rush Bolden back into action. However, when he does return, he will be faced with a crowded backfield situaton. Bolden will have to compete for reps with Vereen, Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead. Bolden is still worth holding onto in deep Fantasy formats, but look toward healthier alternatives Week 8.
News: New England running back Brandon Bolden (knee) was listed among the team's inactive for Week 7 against the Jets after being ruled out for the matchup last week. Bolden was not able to participate in practice over the past week after suffering the injury in Week 6 against Seattle.
Analysis: Bolden has gained at least 28 rushing yards in each of the past three games as the Patriots have provided sufficient carries to him and starter Stevan Ridley. But with New England boasting plenty of depth in the backfield, he will earn some time to rest his knee injury in the hopes of returning for Week 8 at St. Louis. Fantasy owners should leave him reserved only in deeper formats at this point.
News: New England running back Brandon Bolden was ruled out for Week 7 against the Jets due to a troublesome knee injury. Bolden, who suffered the injury during last Sunday's game against Seattle, was unable to participate in practice over the past week. Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen are expected to receive additional carries in his absence.
Analysis: Bolden has gained at least 28 rushing yards in each of the past three games as the Patriots have provided sufficient carries to him and starter Stevan Ridley. But with New England boasting plenty of depth in the backfield, he will earn some time to rest his knee injury in the hopes of returning for Week 8 at St. Louis. Fantasy owners should leave him reserved only in deeper formats at this point.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (knee) was held out of practice for the second day in a row on Thursday as his team prepares for Week 7 at home against the Jets. Bolden, who left Week 6 early against the Seahawks due to his knee injury, is considered questionable for Sunday's game. If he plays, he'll face a defense that has surrendered just 43 yards against the Colts in Week 6.
Analysis: Bolden will likely take a backseat to Stevan Ridley, who is the top back for the Patriots at this point. The Jets have allowed at least 24 Fantasy points against opposing running backs in four out of their first six games this season. Bolden rushed for 28 yards last week in Seattle and has done little since registering 137 rushing yards and a touchdown Week 4 at Buffalo. Fantasy owners should not considered him as a recommended start heading into Week 7, healthy or not.
News: New England running back Brandon Bolden (knee) was unable to practice Wednesday in preparation for the Week 7 game against the Jets. Bolden is dealing with a knee issue after leaving the Week 6 game against the Seahawks early. Bolden is officially questionable on the practice report at the moment.
Analysis: Bolden will look to get on the field for the Week 7 game against the Jets. Bolden rushed for 28 yards last week in Seattle and has done little since registering 137 rushing yards and a touchdown Week 4 at Buffalo. Stevan Ridley is running the show for the Patriots heading into the game against the Jets and Bolden is not a recommended Fantasy start, healthy or not.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden missed the second half of Week 6 against the Seahawks due to a knee injury. He gained 28 yards on six carries before the early exit. Bolden finished second on New England in rushing behind Stevan Ridley (34 yards) in the 24-23 loss.
Analysis: Bolden averaged 4.7 yards per carry and was stealing carries from Ridley before going down with the injury and should have finished with better numbers. He was limited in practice the week leading up to Sunday due to a knee issue and could have re-aggravated it before halftime so keep an eye on his status going forward. Bolden showed with his 137 rushing yards against the Bills a few weeks back that he can be a viable option in Fantasy but as long as he is splitting carries in New England, his value is lessened. Consider him as more of a low-end Fantasy option if he is able to play Week 7 against the Jets.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden left Week 6 against the Seahawks in the second quarter due to a knee injury. His return is being considered as questionable. Bolden gained 28 yards on six carries before the early exit.
Analysis: Bolden was limited in practice the week leading up to Sunday due to a knee issue and could have re-aggravated it before halftime. He led New England in rushing before leaving so keep an eye on his status going forward. Bolden showed with his 137 rushing yards against the Bills a few weeks back that he can be a viable option in Fantasy but as long as he is splitting carries in New England, his value is lessened.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden enters Week 6 against the Seahawks averaging 5.6 yards per carry on the year. Seattle boasts the third-best run defense in the NFL, giving up under 67 yards per game, and has held opposing running backs to an average of 8.2 Fantasy points.
Analysis: Bolden ran for 54 yards on 14 carries last week after his breakout performance in Week 4 and saw double-digit carries in each of those contests. He does not see as many touches as Stevan Ridley, however, and the Patriots will likely have more success running the ball against the Seahawks. Bolden is worth holding onto as a handcuff option but should be left for the deepest of Fantasy formats for Week 6.
News: After rushing for a career-high 137 yards and a touchdown his last time out, Patriots running back Brandon Bolden was not as productive in Week 5 against the Broncos. He gained 54 yards on 14 carries in the 31-21 win. He carried the ball seven times for 22 carries in the first half and finished second on New England in rushing behind Stevan Ridley (151 yards). Bolden also gained zero yards on one catch in the victory.
Analysis: Bolden saw the majority of the carries after Ridley fumbled late Sunday but continues to get caught up in a crowded backfield in New England. While he has separated himself a bit over the last two games, it is still too early to anoint the 22-year-old as a reliable option in Fantasy. The Patriots could have a hard time running the ball in Week 6 against the Seahawks so owners in deeper formats should be the only ones considering Bolden at this point.
News: As expected, Patriots running back Brandon Bolden was listed as active for Sunday's Week 5 matchup against the Broncos despite dealing with a knee injury. Bolden, who appeared on the injury report on Wednesday, was limited in practoce throughout the week. He broke out for a career-high 137 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown last week against the Bills.
Analysis: Bolden came out of nowhere to lead the Patriots in rushing last week and could have a bigger role heading into Sunday's game. It seems like his knee injury won't keep him out of the field and should see some carries along with Stevan Ridley in the backfield. We'll have to keep an eye on how the Patriots use Bolden, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen on offense as it will go a long way in determining their Fantasy value as the season progresses. Fantasy owners should leave Bolden for the deepest of Fantasy formats moving forward.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden was added to the injury report Wednesday as a limited participant because of a knee injury. New England hosts Denver Week 5. Bolden broke out for 137 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown last week. Denver ranks ninth in the league in run defense, giving up under 88 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 11.5 Fantasy points per week to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Bolden came out of seemingly nowhere to lead the Patriots in rushing a week ago, but now the question beckons: What will be his role in Week 5? Stevan Ridley has been the main back for New England thus far, but the No. 2 spot appears to be wide open. Keep an eye on how Bolden, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen are used against the Broncos as it will likely go a long way in determining their Fantasy value going forward. Heading into Week 5, however, leave Bolden for the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden broke out for 137 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown his last time out and will be looking for more success in Week 5 against the Broncos. Denver ranks ninth in the league in run defense, giving up under 88 yards per game, and has allowed an average of 11.5 Fantasy points to opposing running backs.
Analysis: Bolden came out of seemingly nowhere to lead the Patriots in rushing a week ago but now the question comes: what will be his role in Week 5? Stevan Ridley has been the main back for New England thus far but the No. 2 spot appears to be wide open. Keep an eye on how Bolden, Danny Woodhead and Shane Vereen are used against the Broncos as it will likely go a long way in determining their Fantasy value going forward. Heading into Week 5, however, leave Bolden for the deepest of Fantasy formats.
News: Patriots rookie running back Brandon Bolden ran 16 times for 137 yards in Week 4, scoring a touchdown. He also caught one pass for 11 yards in New England's 52-28 win over Buffalo.
Analysis: Oh boy. Bolden, owned in such a small amount of leagues that he's technically "owned in zero percent" will likely be the most-added player this week. But a word of caution -- Danny Woodhead had 15 carries in Week 3 and zero in Week 4. While it's a great story to see Bolden -- an undrafted rookie out of Mississippi -- find success with a 100-yard rushing game, and it might be worth it for teams in deeper leagues facing injuries and byes to grab him as an in-case-of-emergency option, it's far too likely for Belichick to just rush him three times next week. Plus, Stevan Ridley had more carries (22) against the Bills and is the lead back. Still, history suggests that Belichick likes to use two running backs (Ridley and Green-Ellis last year, Maroney/Faulk/Taylor in 2009, Morris/Faulk in 2008), so Bolden probably will be worked into games again, just not to this extent. Don't drop better options for him, but those owners with fat to trim on their benches may be able to make room for a feel-good gamble. Just be prepared for the eventual Belichick Headache as Bolden's playing time will likely change on a weekly basis.
News: Patriots rookie running back Brandon Bolden got a surprising call in Week 3 against the Ravens, as he served as a goal-line back and scored the team’s first touchdown in a 31-30 loss. Bolden finished the game with two carries for 4 yards.
Analysis: Attempting to understand the machinations of the Patriots’ offense is borderline impossible, so Fantasy owners can only wonder why Bolden, the third-string running back with five carries in his career, was tapped for a pivotal attempt at the goal line, with two more experience options ahead of him on the depth chart. It worked out, so now owners of Stevan Ridley and Danny Woodhead have one more option to contend with in the backfield. Patriots’ coach Bill Belichek has never been one to use his players in a convention manner, so it is impossible to say how Bolden will be used moving forward. He has moved into the "worth keeping an eye on" category on the waiver wires, but he is still not a recommended Fantasy option in all formats.
News: Patriots running back Brandon Bolden saw action in Sunday's game against the Titans in Week 1 with five carries for 11 yards. Bolden was able to get in the game with Shane Vereen (foot) out, and he saw time in the fourth quarter with the Patriots looking to kill the clock in a 34-13 victory.
Analysis: Bolden has minimal Fantasy value, especially once Vereen is healthy. He is not worth owning in the majority of leagues heading into Week 2 against the Cardinals.
News: The Patriots allowed running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis to walk in free agency, but not after he ascended from being an undrafted free agent out of Ole Miss to a full-time starter. Brandon Bolden could be following the exact same path. Bolden, also an undrafted Rebel, has opened eyes early in training camp with his hard running, nice vision and solid balance. Bolden might challenge for a backup spot but can't, however, put the ball on the ground. He did that in practice Tuesday -- the first back to do so -- and had to run a penalty lap. "He seems like he's done a decent job in the areas that we've asked him to work in,” coach Bill Belichick said. “He can catch the ball, has some skill in the passing game and he had some production in the running game in college. We've only seen that in drills, we haven't seen that really in live competition yet. But based on college, it looked like he can run the ball. Pretty smart guy, can catch [and] can play in the kicking game.”
Analysis: Bolden has a lot of work to do before cracking the Pats' starting lineup. Figure he's at least one year away if not several since starter Stevan Ridley is more or less as young as Bolden is. He's worth a late-round pick in the deepest of dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only drafts.
