Bolden active

Patriots RB Brandon Bolden (knee) is active for tonight's game vs. the Bills. He should be ready for his usual pass-catching role.

Patriots RB Brandon Bolden (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 13. He was limited in practice all week and should be available for his usual passing-down role vs. the Bills on Monday night.

Brandon Bolden operated as the Patriots' 1st-team passing-down back in Friday night's preseason game.  He finished with 5 carries for 12 yards and 0 catches on 1 target.  Dion Lewis was the change-of-pace back with QB Jimmy Garoppolo and the 2nd-team offense.  He looked good in hauling in all 4 of his targets for 20 yards and a score.  RB James White, meanwhile, didn't get on the field as far as we could tell.  This situation remains as muddy as even with less than 2 weeks until New England's opener.  Avoid all 3 guys in fantasy drafts.

The Boston Globe's Karen Guregian considers RB Brandon Bolden the current favorite for pass-catching duties.  He's reportedly received the majority of the 1st-team work in 3 straight practices.  RB James White, meanwhile, has struggled "ever since the pads came on," per Guregian.  Bolden has mostly been a special-teamer for New England over the past 3 years but did catch 21 balls back in 2013.  We've now heard Bolden, White and Travaris Cadet mentioned as the favorite for the pass-catching role at different points this offseason.  This obviously remains a fluid situation, and none of the 3 is more than a late-round flyer for now.

Patriots insider Jeff Howe "guesses" that RB Brandon Bolden will start in the "Ridley role" against the Jets tonight.  Howe adds that HC Bill Belichick will rotate his RBs and stick with the "hot hand."  Rookie James White will be in the mix, and we're curious to see if Jonas Gray gets involved.  All that's clear at this point is that no one -- not even the team's top beat writers -- know what to expect out of the backfield.  Shane Vereen is the only recommended Week 7 fantasy starter against the Jets' stout run defense.

Patriots RB Brandon Bolden (knee) is active for today’s game against the Bengals.  He’ll serve as the pass-catching back and might also see an increased ball-carrying role with RB Stevan Ridley out.  Bolden is a RB3 or flex option with more appeal in PPR leagues.