Mike Reiss, ESPN Staff Writer 11y

Snaps: Career-high for Vereen

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A look at snaps played by Patriots' skill-position players in the team's victory over the Texans, while analyzing what it means (small margin for error):

QB Tom Brady -- 66 of 66

TE Aaron Hernandez -- 66 of 66

WR Wes Welker-- 66 of 66

WR Brandon Lloyd -- 65 of 66

TE Michael Hoomanawanui -- 50 of 66

RB Shane Vereen -- 38 of 66

RB Stevan Ridley -- 27 of 66

WR Deion Branch -- 9 of 66

TE Rob Gronkowski -- 7 of 66

TE Marcus Cannon -- 1 of 66

RB Danny Woodhead -- 1 of 66

(Penalties included; kneel-down not included.)

ANALYSIS: Running back Shane Vereen's 38 snaps best his previous high of 24 (versus Houston on Dec. 10). In the regular season, Vereen had been averaging 9.8 snaps per game. Vereen's big day came after Danny Woodhead was knocked out on the first play with a thumb injury. Vereen is Woodhead's backup in the "passing back" role. ... Stevan Ridley's 27 snaps were his third lowest total of the season, behind 19 versus San Francisco and 26 versus Baltimore. ... No offensive snaps for rookie Brandon Bolden at running back. His suspension set him back, and we're seeing a similar situation on defense with DE Jermaine Cunningham. ... The lone snap that receiver Brandon Lloyd didn't play came when OL Marcus Cannon entered as an eligible receiver late in the fourth quarter to set up a three-TE package. ... Wes Welker and Aaron Hernandez played every snap, which is reflective of their status as two of the top playmakers. ... Michael Hoomanawanui replaced Rob Gronkowski and played 50 of the final 59 snaps after Gronkowski's injury.

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