In what seems like a strong indication of how highly the Patriots' coaching staff viewed the Texans' defensive line talent, and how limiting them was crucial on Monday night, three d-linemen were named practice players of the week.
Rookies Jake Bequette (3rd round, Arkansas), Justin Francis (free agent, Rutgers) and Marcus Forston (free agent, Miami) were three of the four award winners. They were joined by running back Shane Vereen, who was a winner for the second week in a row (he must have nicely simulated Arian Foster).
The practice players of the week are players that the coaching staff feels best prepared the team in the days leading up to a victory.
Let's focus on Forston, who is on the practice squad, as he could be a candidate to fill the team's open spot on the 53-man roster.
The Patriots were a little thin on the interior in Monday's win over the Texans, with only Vince Wilfork, Brandon Deaderick and Kyle Love dressing. If they are eyeing another layer of depth, Forston (6-3, 305) would be a natural candidate.
Earlier this year, Forston had been doubling up by playing offensive line on the scout team when the Patriots had a run of injuries, which was another reason he was recognized for his practice work.
Forston made the club out of training camp and has appeared in one regular-season game this season, logging eight snaps vs. the Ravens on Sept. 23. He was waived Sept. 26 and re-signed to the practice squad after clearing waivers.
The following are this year's practice players of the week:
vs. Texans
DE Jake Bequette
DL Marcus Forston
DE Justin Francis
RB Shane Vereen
at Dolphins
WR Kamar Aiken
QB Ryan Mallett
DB Derrick Martin
RB Shane Vereen
RB Danny Woodhead
at Jets
DL Marcus Forston
FB James Develin
OL Mitch Petrus
vs. Colts
DE Jake Bequette
DE Justin Francis
DE Trevor Scott
WR Matthew Slater
vs. Bills
DL Brandon Deaderick
QB Ryan Mallett
S Derrick Martin
RB Shane Vereen
at Rams
FB James Develin
OL Nick McDonald
LB Jeff Tarpinian
vs. Jets
DE Jake Bequette
WR Julian Edelman
DL Marcus Forston
DE Justin Francis
WR Greg Salas
vs. Broncos
FB James Develin
TE Daniel Fells
DE Justin Francis
QB Ryan Mallett
DE Trevor Scott
at Bills
DB Malcolm Williams
at Titans
OT Marcus Cannon
WR Julian Edelman
DE Justin Francis
LB Jeff Tarpinian