Stevan Ridley misses third straight practice

New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley (22) straight arms Atlanta Falcons safety William Moore (25) during the second half at Georgia Dome. The Patriots defeated the Falcons 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots RB Stevan Ridley has missed today’s practice, and fantasy owners should be looking elsewhere at this point now that Ridley has missed every practice this week. ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss reports that Stevan Ridley missed his third straight practice session, and his status for Sunday’s big game against the Cincinnati Bengals is squarely in doubt. Almost every player who misses each practice in a week ends up being ruled out, and it looks like Ridley will suffer the same fate.

However, it is too early to write off Ridley’s ability to play on Sunday, because MassLive.com’s Nick Underhill reported twice that Ridley’s injury is only minor. He didn’t seem to suffer a knee injury against the Atlanta Falcons, and we learned about the Patriots No. 1 RB’s ailment when he missed Wednesday’s practice.

Stevan Ridley is suffering from a lower-thigh injury (it was previously thought to be a knee issue), and he could end up being a game-time decision on Sunday- or he could be ruled out sooner. Even if he does play, I would still move away from Ridley as a fantasy option this week against the Bengals. Not only will he lose touches due to being banged up coming into the game, but the Patriots already cut down his snaps by using more of a rotation with fellow talented backs LeGarrette Blount and Brandon Bolden.

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