Stevan Ridley had a stranglehold on the starting running back job in New England as the 2014 NFL season neared its midway point, the Pats rounding into form following a shaky start.
Ridley had been carrying the ball 15 times a game. LeGarrette Blount, who took the starting job late in 2013, was in Pittsburgh. The Patriots were committed to the Ridley-Shane Vereen duo, and the Ridley-Vereen duo was clicking.
Then Ridley's knee buckled on a carry in Week 6 against Buffalo. An MRI later confirmed that the running back had suffered a torn ACL. Blount returned to New England on a two-year deal, helping the Pats to a Super Bowl.