The Facts: The Patriots' offensive attack in the Tom Brady/Bill Belichick era has never been predicated on having a workhorse running back, but the departure of BenJarvus Green-Ellis as a free agent did create question marks in Foxboro. The obvious question is who will become the primary ball carrier in 2012? It's been speculated that Stevan Ridley will get first crack at the job, but the Boston Herald reported on Sunday that Vereen "served as the top back during practice" in the session made open to the media last week.

Diehards Line:As NFL.com's Dan Hanzus noted, this doesn't necessarily mean Vereen is regularly leading the unit, since the media didn't have access to the first two OTA sessions. The Patriots' RB depth chart also includes holdover Danny Woodhead, undrafted free agent Brandon Bolden and veteran Joseph Addai, formerly with the Colts. We'll be keeping a close eye on developments here; the Patriots' committee approach makes identification of the chairman of the committee of great importance to Fantasy owners. Don't assume the position is filled yet.