Patriots Activate Brandon Bolden to 53-Man Roster Following Four-Game Suspension

by Doug Kyed on Mon, Dec 10, 2012 at 5:59PM

Brandon Bolden will be available in Foxboro on Monday night against the Texans.

The Patriots activated Bolden following a four-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. The team had received a roster exemption for the Ole Miss undrafted free agent, but never signed an extra player after releasing Mitch Petrus, placing Julian Edelman on injured reserve and signing Donte Stallworth on Dec. 4.

Bolden had an impressive start to his NFL career before his four-game ban. He has 43 carries for 234 yards and two touchdowns this season to go along with two receptions for 11 yards. He has also yet to fumble in his short NFL career.

Bolden rejoins a crowded backfield, and may need to work himself back up the depth chart after second-year running back Shane Vereen received an increased workload in the past four games. Bolden will also have to fight for playing time with starter Stevan Ridley and third-down back Danny Woodhead. Fullback James Develin is also on the 53-man roster.