FOXBORO, Mass. — Rookie running back Shane Vereen said it was “definitely, definitely frustrating” to miss about three weeks of action with a hamstring injury, but he has worked hard to overcome the setback.
He wasn’t sure if he’d get the call to suit up Saturday in Detroit, but the fact that the possibility exists is an exciting development. Vereen practiced Wednesday and Thursday after missing 14 consecutive sessions, but has still only taken part in four of New England’s 25 practices since camp started July 28.
“I’m getting there,” Vereen said. “I’m getting real close. We’ve been working hard, training and everything like that getting it ready to go.”
Vereen chalked it up to the “ups and downs of football.” He said his mind is clear, but he’s still working to get back into a better physical condition.
“I think my body feels behind,” Vereen said. “My body needs to go through being sore, and the grind and everything like that.”
Vereen noted that “everything is good now,” but he still wasn’t even sure if he’d be traveling with the team to Detroit. That notice will likely come Thursday night or Friday for the players in question.
If given the chance to play, he’ll provide a glimpse of his speedy, elusive running style that will likely land him on plenty of highlight reels throughout the course of his NFL career. But first, Vereen has to prove he has completely moved past his hamstring issue.
“This week has been good,” Vereen said. “Finally being able to get back out there has been fun, and I’m looking forward to staying out there this time.”
