Stevan

Ridley

As feared by those playing Jaylen Samuels, Ridley got the call with the Steelers near the goal line early in this one, and he converted for a two-yard score. That was the extent of his contributions, however, and Samuels actually got an attempt near the end zone late in the first half. Ridley will have some narrative street appeal against his former team next week if James Conner remains sidelined, but he is just a touchdown-prayer FLEX.

Jaylen Samuels is expected to get the start with Conner sidelined, but Ridley will mix in as well, especially on early downs. “Whether it’s two carries, 20 carries, whatever,” Ridley said, “I’m ready to contribute.” There is too much uncertainty about his workload to call Ridley a trustworthy play this week, but there are worse desperation FLEX options. He is also a solid target in DFS tournaments.

What’s notable here is that we finally have a body part to go with Ridley’s limited practice time. It sounds like he avoided the dreaded high-ankle sprain, and has turned a corner. Fellow rookie Shane Vereen (hamstring) was also limited Thursday. Neither player will have a major role in Week 1.

Ridley provided a spark off the bench in the second half, taking over as the feature back on a couple of drives. He looked considerably more explosive than BenJarvus Green-Ellis, so there’s plenty of potential for his role to expand. Pick him up on this week’s waiver wire if he’s out there.

Ridley was streaking coming into the game, but he couldn’t turn the corner or find holes against a lighter and speedier Jets defense. After BenJarvis Green-Ellis got off to a strong start, the Pats opted to ride the hot hand for 27 carries. Ridley isn’t getting red-zone looks, so he’s a reach as a flex play next week against the Cowboys.

It’s a massive total for Green-Ellis, who severely outplayed Stevan Ridley (13 snaps). Green-Ellis’ extra snaps can be credited to Danny Woodhead’s (ankle) absence, as BJGE took over on passing downs. Beat writer Mike Reiss confirms that the Patriots view Green-Ellis as the better pass protector, ahead of Ridley or Shane Vereen (zero snaps).

Reiss readily admits the Pats like to split snaps and “lean” on the passing-down back more than most teams. Even if Ridley ends up leading the backfield in snaps, his fantasy value is curbed by a looming timeshare with Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead. We still like Ridley as a Dynasty “buy” this offseason.

Particularly with BenJarvus Green-Ellis gone to Cincinnati, that number is sure to rise. Ridley’s lone drawback as a rookie was ball security, but that’s a fixable problem and he’s got natural tools to be a big-time player. Ridley finished his first year with a yards-per-carry average of 5.07 and came along quickly in the passing game. The Pats won’t suddenly veer from a committee approach, but Ridley is the best bet for lead back duties in 2012.

Vereen was an afterthought as a rookie, in large part because he missed a good portion of training camp and the regular season with nagging hamstring injuries. While Stevan Ridley impressed in limited doses (14 percent of offensive snaps), it was Vereen (1.5 percent of snaps) who was the higher draft pick last season. The Pats may opt for a “hot hand” approach between the two sophomores.

Addai visited the Patriots last month, but otherwise received no other known interest on the free agent market. In New England, his primary responsibilities will be limited to third-down/passing situations. Stevan Ridley remains the leading candidate for early-down work, while 2011 second-round pick Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead are complementary, change-of-pace options.