Patriots 53-Man Roster...for now

Quarterbacks: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel, Kevin O'Connell

Running backs: Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Heath Evans

Wide receivers: Sam Aiken, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson, C.J. Jones, Randy Moss, Ray Ventrone, Kelley Washington, Wes Welker

Tight ends: Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Stephen Spach

Offensive line: Wesley Britt, Dan Connolly, Russ Hochstein, Nick Kaczur, Dan Koppen, Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Billy Yates

Defensive line: Jarvis Green, Richard Seymour, Le Kevin Smith, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Mike Wright

Linebackers: Eric Alexander, Tedy Bruschi, Shawn Crable, Gary Guyton, Larry Izzo, Jerod Mayo, Adalius Thomas, Mike Vrabel, Pierre Woods

Cornerbacks: Ellis Hobbs, Lewis Sanders, Terrence Wheatley, Jonathan Wilhite

Safeties: Rodney Harrison, John Lynch, Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, Matthew Slater

Specialists: Stephen Gostkowski (kicker), Chris Hanson (punter), Lonie Paxton (long snapper)

Players placed on injured reserve: LB Bo Ruud, DL Kenny Smith

Players placed on reserve/non-football injury list: OT Oliver Ross

Roster Thoughts:

Kevin Faulk does not count against the roster due to his 1-game suspension. So there will still be a change to add him back in.

Surprised that Matt Cassel won over Matt Gutierrez based on pre-season play. If Gutierrez clears waivers, the Patriots will most likely resign him. The Patriots could also look on the waivers and bring someone else in.

The Patriots are looking thin at cornerback already with free-agent signings Fernando Bryant and Jason Webster not making the team. The only real corner still on the market right now is Ty Law.

Another surprise was that the Patriots kept TE Stephen Spach and are carrying three tight ends. Then again, Ben Watson and David Thomas have never been the poster children of health.

The Patriots are carrying eight wide receivers, including Ray Ventrone and CJ Jones. Ventrone's all-around play provides additional value while Jones’ is a speedster on special teams. Some are speculating that Wes Welker (ribs) will not be ready for the opener, hence the need for extra wide receivers.

One Game Suspension for Kevin Faulk

Kevin Faulk News: According to the NFL, Kevin Faulk of the New England Patriots has been suspended without pay for the team’s first regular-season game and fined one additional game check for violating the NFL Substance Abuse Policy. Faulk’s suspension for the Patriots' first regular-season game will begin on Saturday, August 30. He is eligible to return to the Patriots’ active roster on Monday, September 8 following the team’s September 7 opener against the Kansas City Chiefs. In one sense, this is almost a benefit to the Patriots. They know they'll have Faulk for Week 2 against the Jets, but at the same time they can keep a player, or sign/claim a player from another team. Rosevelt Colvin maybe?

Running Back LaMont Jordan: Patriots RB LaMont Jordan likely cemented his spot on the team with his performance, as he had six carries for 27 yards (4.5 average), while also hauling in a 23-yard screen pass. "It felt good to get back out there," Jordan said. "I feel like I picked up where I left off with the first game. I just got to wait and see what happens. Hopefully, I'm getting ready for Kansas City.".

Winless during the Pre-Season: It's the fourth time the Pats have gone winless in preseason play, the last time in 1983, when they went 8-8 during the season. The other three: they went 10-3-1 in the '64, 4-8-2 in '65 and 2-12 in 1970. They went 1-3 in the 2004 preseason, and went on to win the Super Bowl.

Predicting the Patriots Final Roster

The Boston Globe has predicted the following as the final Patriots Team:

Quarterback (3): Tom Brady, Matt Gutierrez, Kevin O'Connell

Running back (5): Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, LaMont Jordan, Heath Evans

Wide receiver (6): Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson, Kelley Washington, Sam Aiken

Tight end (2): Benjamin Watson, David Thomas

Offensive line (8): Matt Light, Nick Kaczur, Wesley Britt, Dan Koppen, Mike Flynn, Logan Mankins, Billy Yates, Russ Hochstein, Dan Connolly predicted to injured reserve; Oliver Ross to reserve/PUP

Defensive line (6): Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Le Kevin Smith

Linebackers (10): Adalius Thomas, Mike Vrabel, Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods, Vince Redd, Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Eric Alexander, Larry Izzo

Cornerbacks (5): Fernando Bryant, Ellis Hobbs, Terrence Wheatley, Jonathan Wilhite, Mike Richardson

Safety (5): Rodney Harrison, James Sanders, Brandon Meriweather, John Lynch, Matthew Slater

Specialists (3): Stephen Gostkowski (kicker), Chris Hanson (punter), Lonie Paxton (long snapper)

Thoughts:

The way QB Matt Cassel has been playing, it doesn't seem like he will be the #2 QB on the roster. Gutierrez does seem to be the better of the two though. Could Cassel just be cut from the team?

With LB Rosevelt Colvin being cut by the Texans, the Patriots might be willing to bring him back. They would need a roster spot to do so though.

Patriots: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 4

Patriots Pre-Season Game 4: Giants 19 - Patriots 14

The Good:

The Patriots defense had a goal-line stand in the third quarter, forcing the Giants to settle for a field goal after having first-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

Big punt returns (44 yards and 42 yards) by C.J. Jones set up short fields that led to two touchdowns for the Patriots.

RB Lamont Jordan recovered a fumble. He also performed well for the offense, totaling 27 yards on six carries (4.5 avg.), and one catch for 23 yards.

WR Chad Jackson had two catches for 32 yards, including a 16-yard touchdown grab in the back left-hand corner of the end zone.

QB Kevin O’Connell drove 47 yards on seven plays to cut the deficit to 19-7 on a 16-yard touchdown catch to Chad Jackson. O’Connell also had a five-play, 18-yard touchdown drive ending the game at 19-14.

Punter Chris Hanson had some nice punts, averaging 47.5 yards and a 39.2 net on six attempts.

Patriots outscored their opponents 44-3 in the fourth quarter this pre-season.

The Bad:

Matt Light is back with the first unit offensive line at left tackle, moving Wesley Britt to second-string left tackle. Britt was beaten for one of the two sacks taken by Matt Gutierrez.

Giants march 80 yards down the field for an opening touchdown, powering through the Patriots over matched first-unit defense.

Rookie Patriots linebacker Bo Ruud was injured while playing on kickoff coverage with 9:20 left in the fourth quarter.

The Ugly:

The first units played two series apiece and if the hope was to generate some positive momentum heading into the season, it did not happen.

The Patriots struggled with the running game, both on defense and offense. The Giants ripped up 75 yards on 18 carries in the first half (4.2 avg.) while the Patriots had 37 yards on 12 carries (3.1 avg.)

Note: The Giants played their top five highlights from Super Bowl XLII on the scoreboard during a break in the first quarter. Just a little added salt in the wound!

Final Thoughts:

0-4 though the pre-season, but then again, Tom Brady never took the field.

"We gained a lot of experience [from the four pre-season games]. Four games, and individual guys established a level of play and things they can do. Once the season starts it's a whole new ball game; we know that. So, is it nice to win the games? But it doesn't mean anything. We've had good records in preseason. We've had bad records in preseason. What counts is how you play in the regular season. That's what matters. It doesn't mean that the individual performances and group performances and how you execute plays isn't important. It is important, and that leads to your execution at a later point in time, but I'd say that's what you gain from preseason." –- Coach Bill Belichick

Onto the Regular Season and Kansas City!

Patriots: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 3

Patriots Pre-Season Game 3: Eagles 27 - Patriots 17

The Good:

A moment of silence was observed at Gillette Stadium for NFLPA executive director Gene Upshaw who was in instrumental part of the NFL since 1967.

QB Matt Gutierrez makes a move for the No. 2 job, finishing 14 of 20 for 217 yards and two touchdowns. CJ Jones had three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, while Chad Jackson had a great 1-yard touchdown grab.

The Bad:

Patriots receiver Wes Welker was shaken up while fielding a punt return during the first quarter. He left with a rib injury.

For the third straight game, the opponent drives down the field on the opening drive to score points.

The offensive line, and the health issues there, remains one of the team's more pressing issues.


The Ugly:

The Patriots put forth a weak effort on special teams in the first half, allowing both a kickoff return for a touchdown, and a punt return for a touchdown. Allowing a touchdown on both kickoff and punt returns was inexcusable.

QB Matt Cassel finished 8 of 14 for 60 yards, 0 TD, 0 INT. He is sure to lose his hold on the #2 QB position if he continues to play this way.

Rookie cornerback Terrence Wheatley faltered on his technique on a 42-yard gain by Michael Gasperson early in the third quarter. He also couldn't handle a punt at the end of the game.

Final Thoughts:

"I thought we played a little more competitively there in the second half obviously giving up 14 points on returns in the first half put us pretty deep in the hole. We still have a lot of work to do. Philadelphia is a good football team and we all know that. There were certainly a lot of things were could have done better out there tonight but I think it was a good learning experience for us. We saw a lot of things we are going to need to face somewhere along the line this season so it was good to get that exposure and play against another good football team". -- Bill Belichick

Patriots coach Bill Belichick sought out Eagles cornerback Asante Samuel after the game and the two shared an embrace on the field. The fans were pretty rough on Samuels. "They were chanting, 'Asante sucks, Asante sucks,'" explained Samuel. "It's all good. They love to hate me. They love me, they miss me. But I'm not with them, so they hate me."

Patriots out with Pollard, in with DeVree

The Patriots have released veteran TE Marcus Pollard.

"We just felt like, with Marcus, that it wasn't really going to work out here the way that we had hoped and that he had hoped. But at the same time, there is still a couple of preseason games left. There is some time before the opener, and I think there are some other teams that are looking for tight ends and maybe there is a better opportunity for him somewhere else; that's for him to determine. Rather than to do it on the last cut, where his options would be more limited, we felt like in fairness to him and out of respect to him, that he deserved that." -- Bill Belichick

The Patriots filled their open roster spot, created by the release of veteran TE Marcus Pollard, by re-signing rookie TE Tyson DeVree. Benjamin Watson and David Thomas still remain 1-2 on the tight end depth chart.

Patriots: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly 2

Patriots Pre-Season Game 2: Buccaneers 27 - Patriots 10

The Good:

Kicker Stephen Gostkowski's 53-yard field goal at the end of the first half was arguably the team's best play of the night.

WR Wes Welker gains 12 yards on third-and-8 at the end of the first quarter, which was one of the best plays by a Patriots receiver all night. He later converted another third down.

The Bad:

QB Tom Brady's Ankle Injury: "The key is not to go out there and aggravate anything when I'm not ready to go," said Brady. Obviously I'd love to be out there with my teammates, but Coach made the decision that that's not the smartest thing to do right now."

Second-year Safety Brandon Meriweather looked to be in considerable pain on the sideline after leaving the game in the first quarter. If Meriweather's injury is serious, it's another blow to a secondary which is already depleted.

On a night when the Patriots seemed committed to the run, they finished with 56 yards on 22 carries (2.5 avg.)

The Ugly:

Again, Matt Cassel fails to deliver on the field. In all, he directed six drives and the offense produced just three points, which wasn't necessarily all his doing but it ultimately comes back to the quarterback. Cassel does not look poised to be the #2 QB for the New England Patriots.

Center Dan Connolly's errant shotgun snap resulted in a touchdown for the Buccaneers.

Final Thoughts:

"We didn't make enough plays and then gave too much on first down and gave up short conversions on third down. Missed tackles. Big plays. That will about do it." -- Linebacker Mike Vrabel

"Rookie or not, no one is really executing to the level that we expect for ourselves. We have to go back to work and see what we need to correct, rookies, veterans and anyone in between." -- Running back Sammy Morris

“Well, I think it was pretty obvious that we have a lot of work to do based on tonight, really in all three phases of the game. I didn’t think we played as well or competitively as we’re capable of playing, certainly. It’s a lot of little things, but those little things add up to big things. Starting with me, we all have to do a better job. We’ll see another good team this week, against Philadelphia, and hopefully we can get a little better performance than that.” -- Coach Bill Belichick

Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: August 14

Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: August 14

Safety John Lynch had decided to sign with the Patriots. NFL.com reported the deal was for one-year and $1.5 million. The Patriots brought the nine-time Pro Bowler, who asked to be released by the Denver Broncos after the team slotted him into a reduced role. There is talk that the Patriots may experiment with Lynch, moving him around from safety to linebacker.

After practice yesterday, Tom Brady was asked if he is underpaid. "I don't ever feel that way, not at all," he said. "I love being here, I love being part of this team. It's a great situation. I've got a great coach, great coaches, great ownership, great place to be."

Is Tom Brady really underpaid though? Entering this season, Brady has three years remaining on his existing deal. Counting bonuses, he will earn $8 million this season, $8 million in 2009 and about $6.5 million in 2010. Counting bonuses, Cleveland Brown’s QB Derek Anderson will earn about $7.95 million this season. He will make about $6.45 million next year and $9.45 million in 2010. Over the next three years, then, Derek Anderson will earn slightly more money than Tom Brady will. Which QB would you rather have though?

The Patriots announced the signing of free-agent offensive lineman Stephen Sene. To make room on the 80-man roster for Sene, the team waived receiver Chris Dunlap.

Quarterback Matt Gutierrez returned to practice today, but looked rusty in throwing two interceptions (snared by linebacker Eric Alexander & cornerback Terrence Wheatley).

After drilling a 43-yard field goal to cap off the second-string offense’s hurry-up drill, kicker Stephen Gostkowski was called upon to kick seven field goals at the end of practice. He hit all seven of his attempts, from 27-42 yards, rotating hash marks each time. Gostkowski has been generally solid all training camp.

Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: August 12 and 13

Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: August 12 and 13

August 13:

The Patriots are hosting free-agent safety John Lynch. If Lynch is signed, it would lessen the blow of losing Tank Williams to a season-ending knee injury. The 36-year-old Lynch, a nine-time Pro Bowler and one of the grittier, more durable safeties to play in the NFL, was released by the Broncos on August 1.

The Patriots announced the signing of veteran cornerback Ade Jimoh today. To make room for Jimoh on the roster, the team released first-year offensive lineman Pete McMahon.

Coach Belichick said quarterback Matt Gutierrez, who has been held out of practice Monday and Tuesday, sustained a bruise in Thursday’s preseason opener against the Ravens.

Coach Belichick was asked if there was one player who stands out over his coaching career for batting down passes at the line...Belichick pointed to Richard Seymour.

The Patriots continue to have some problems on quarterback/center exchanges with Dan Connolly and Matt Cassel.

The Patriots take pride in being a multiple defense, with the ability to shift from a 3-4 alignment to a 4-3 alignment from game to game, or even snap to snap. The Patriots worked on this a lot during practice.

Kicker Stephen Gostkowski finished practice by hitting 6 of 6 field goals from 27-42 yards.

At the end of practice, 6-foot-2, 325-pound nose tackle Vince Wilfork stood near the goal-line with two footballs tucked in his arms. If he caught a football, the entire Patriots team would earn a night off. Wilfork accomplished the feat, as the players erupted with joy!

August 12:

The Patriots spent plenty of time in their nickel defensive package (5 defensive backs), which show cased the versatility of their linebackers Mike Vrabel, Jerod Mayo and Adalius Thomas.

Safety James Sanders returned to practice from an undisclosed injury.

At one point in practice, the entire defense took a penalty lap, with linebackers coach Matt Patricia and defensive line coach Pepper Johnson joining the players (you have to wonder what they all did!)

Receiver Chad Jackson dropped a long pass down the left sideline from Tom Brady, after beating cornerback Ellis Hobbs off the line in 11-on-11 work (always glimpses of greatest but then dashed)

Tom Brady delivered one of the highlights of the day, connecting on a long pass with receiver C.J. Jones in 11-on-11 drills. Safety Brandon Meriweather was in coverage and did not turn as the ball arrived. The ball seemed to be in the air for about 40-50 yards.

Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: August 11

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe does a great job covering and reporting from the New England Patriots Training Camps. Here are some of his reported highlights from August 11:

"This is more of a teaching week and a week to get ahead on some things, and catch up on some things we're behind on that we know we're going to need to address." – Coach Bill Belichick

Russ Hochstein is the latest player knocked out due to injury (he suffered an undisclosed injury in Thursday’s preseason opener)

DE Jarvis Green and DE Mike Wright have joined the team, an indication that Green (shoulder) and Wright (foot) are off the physically unable to perform list.

Third-year man Wesley Britt worked at left tackle with the first unit, with Nick Kaczur moving back to right tackle. The interior remained the same, with Logan Mankins (left guard), Dan Koppen (center) and Billy Yates (right guard).

Halfway though practice, it started pouring out, which created an elements-type practice. Players’ concentration had to rise when taking care of the ball. Two center/quarterback exchanges were botched, with the combination of Dan Koppen/Matt Cassel and Dan Connolly/Kevin O’Connell taking the standard penalty lap.

Outside linebacker Mike Vrabel and cornerback Ellis Hobbs seemed to have their workload increase. Both took their place with the first-unit defense, with Vrabel knocking out Pierre Woods at left outside linebacker and Hobbs lining up at right cornerback, with Fernando Bryant at left cornerback.

Victor Hobson continues to struggle in his transition from outside linebacker in the Jets’ 3-4 defense to inside linebacker in the Patriots’ 3-4 alignment. He could be in jeopardy of not making the club if a player like Gary Guyton (rookie free agent) continues to excel on special teams.

In 11-on-11 work, the top receiving trio for quarterback Tom Brady was Randy Moss, Wes Welker and Jabar Gaffney. Chad Jackson, who struggled at times in the pre-season opener, did not have any work with Brady when the team had three receivers on the field in the drill. Jackson came on with backup quarterback Matt Cassel.

Patriots bit by injury bug!

Tank Williams:

The Patriots announced that safety/linebacker Tank Williams has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season. This looks to be a major setback to the Patriots organization and their plans. Williams spent 10 of the first training camp practices working with the first-unit defense at inside linebacker.

Although Williams was not expected to be a full-time starter throughout the season, with more teams in the NFL spreading the field with three receivers, Williams figured to be a part of the Patriots' plans defending those clubs.

In addition to placing Williams on injured reserve, the Patriots also signed veteran cornerback Jeff Shoate. Shoate is a long shot to make the club.

Junior Seau:

Junior Seau was asked in a recent interview if he's spoken with Bill Belichick at all about returning with the New England Patriots. "Yeah, we talked, but again there is nothing to report," Seau responded. "Obviously, I have to be healthy enough to get in there and perform at a high level and right now I'm not ready." Seau had surgery to repair his rotator cuff earlier this offseason. He pointed out though that even if he could return, the Patriots would have to have a need for his services. If he does returns to the NFL, he said it will only be with the Patriots. That is good to know.

Cassel odd man out?

New England coach Bill Belichick said that Matt Cassel has had a great offseason and he is pleased with Cassel's progress, but Cassel has had an awful week. After throwing three interceptions at practice on Monday, and two more on Tuesday, Cassel, trying to cement his role as Brady's backup, struggled once again last night -- going 1-for-4 with an interception. He fell down and fumbled the ball, which he recovered, for a loss of 7 yards on third-and-21 less than two minutes into the second quarter and was booed off of the field. Belichick benched him in favor of Matt Gutierrez after that. The Patriots, who have four quarterbacks on their roster, are expected to keep three so if Cassel wants to keep his job, he needs to step up his game over the next three preseason games. -- Providence Journal

It wouldn't be surprising to see the Patriots bring in Chad Pennington as a Backup QB. Pennington is probably looking for a staring role on a team though.

Patriots: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Patriots Pre-Season Game 1: Ravens 16 - Patriots 15

Let's keep it in perspective...it was the first pre-season game, and NFL MVP Tom Brady and Randy Moss had the night off.

The Good:

The Patriots rookie linebackers made a series of eye-catching plays throughout the game. Jarod Mayo delivered several jarring hits, while Shawn Crable had an impressive interception. (K.Boller pass short left intended for A.Bergen INTERCEPTED by S.Crable at NE 48. S.Crable to BAL 41 for 11 yards) Mayo and Crable are going to make an immediate impact on this Patriots team.

Third-round choice Kevin O'Connell led the Patriots to their only touchdown on a 31-yard march after Flacco's fumble. (Note: O'Connell played the last third of the game against defenders far down on the depth chart). Compared to the other two backup QBs though, this was the lone bright spot for QBs.

LaMont Jordan, ran with power, picking up 76 yards and scoring on a 1-yard run. He is currently fighting for a job behind Laurence Maroney.

Stephen Gostkowski kicked three field goals on the night, and made all of them (36, 44, 40)

The Bad:

WR Sam Aiken, a free-agent signee brought in to primarily help the special teams units, suffered a knee injury and did not return to the game.

S/LB Tank Williams also had a knee injury during the game. Trainers tended to him on the field, but he walked off under his own power. Williams added a new wrinkle to the defense from the linebacker spot, giving the base 3-4 a different dynamic that could be called upon against specific opponents.

The Patriots tried to get the ball to Chad Jackson without any success. It looked like Jackson and Cassel were not on the same page. Words were spoken between the two of them after the interception.

The Ugly:

Patriot Backup QBs: With Tom Brady sitting out, the focus was on Matt Cassel and Matt Gutierrez to show they were worthy of the backup job. Both struggled mightily. QB Matt Cassel was 1 of 4 for 11 yards, with one INT and one sack. Gutierrez didn't do much better and was sacked on back to back plays for -19 yards. He finished the night 10 for 76 yards, with one INT and three sacks! If something ever happened to Tom Brady, it does not look like there is a backup QB on the roster who is ready to play. Third-round choice Kevin O'Connell did led the Patriots to their only touchdown on a 31-yard march after Flacco's fumble.

Final Thoughts:

The Rookies made some strong impressions during the game. Inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, cornerback Terrence Wheatley, outside linebacker Shawn Crable, quarterback Kevin O'Connell and receiver/returner Matthew Slater all had significant playing time.

"Well, I think that was a good learning experience for our team tonight. Baltimore is a pretty physical club and it was a very competitive game all the way. I think we got a lot out of it. Certainly, there are a lot of things we could do better but I thought there were some positives out there to work with. We will come in tomorrow, correct those mistakes and try to move forward here." -- Bill Belichick

Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: August 4 - 6

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe does a great job covering and reporting from the New England Patriots Training Camps. Here are some of his reported highlights from August 4 - 6:

August 4:

The Patriots announced the signing of veteran offensive lineman John Welbourn. To make room on the roster, the team released rookie defensive lineman Chris Norwell. The Patriots' signing might be an indication that the team's decision-makers have concerns with the depth along the line.

Tuesday's Practice was geared specifically toward preparations for Thursday’s pre-season opener

In what has become an annual part of camp, rookies once again “worked” on a fumble drill in which a hose was turned on and the ball was thrown in a wet area, and the rooks were doused as they pounced on the ball.

When the Patriots signed receiver Sam Aiken as a free agent this off-season, it was primarily due to his special teams prowess. It wouldn’t be much of a surprise if he challenges for playing time in the No. 4 or 5 roles.

As training camp has progressed, the level of contact has gradually increased. Along those lines, the coaching staff called for a tackling drills.

The session ended with a pad-crunching goal-line session.

One of the first aspects that stood out from Night workout was the high tempo; the idea of playing fast as close to a game-like speed as possible.

Stephen Gostkowski was really whipping his leg through the ball during practice. He did not miss a field goal in the session, hitting from a long of 44.

As the Patriots practiced for Thursday Night's game, seemingly ever special teams unit was called upon -- kickoff return, punt return, punt coverage (in addition to punting out of the end zone), field goal, and field goal block -- at various points throughout the session.

August 5:

Bill Belichick described today as a period of transition for the team. "We go from true training camp days -- one practice, followed by a meeting, followed by another practice, grinding through -- to now really having a focus, our sights are set on Thursday night against the Ravens. Everything we do builds up to that point. We're in a little bit of a different mode than we've been in."

Outside linebacker Mike Vrabel has been activated off the physically unable to perform list

Tom Brady wasn’t on the field today. That left all the repetitions to Matt Cassel, followed by Matt Gutierrez, then rookie Kevin O’Connell. Based on this, it wouldn’t be surprising if Brady does not play Thursday night.

The focus of the session seemed to be on running the plays that will be called in Thursday night’s pre-season opener.

The team’s defensive backs have consistently been around the ball in camp as they continue to get deflections during practice.

Rookie cornerback Jonathan Wilhite, who appeared to pull up in Monday night’s practice, was not present for today’s session.

August 6:

No open practice, team walk through as the Patriots prepare for the Baltimore Ravens!

August 7:
Patriots vs Ravens, 7:30 pm (are you ready for some Patriot football?)

NFL News: FARVE TO THE JETS!

It looks like the Brett Favre saga might finally have closure! ESPN reported that the Packers have traded Favre to the New York Jets. Compensation wasn't immediately known but it is reported to be a draft pick that will increase in value based upon Favre obtaining certain performance levels.

The Patriots vs Jets game for September 14th just got very interesting!

Farve to the Jets...

It looks like the Brett Favre saga might finally have closure! ESPN reported that the Packers have traded Favre to the New York Jets. Compensation wasn't immediately known but it is reported to be a draft pick that will increase in value based upon Favre obtaining certain performance levels.

The Patriots vs Jets game for September 14th just got very interesting!

NFL News Around the League

Notes from July 28 - August 3:

August 3:

Farve Reinstated: This is far from over but there has been some movement on the Brett Favre situation. He was reinstated by the Commissioner today and will be added to the Packers roster tomorrow. He is on his way to Green Bay Sunday afternoon.

Grant signs four-year extension: The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports that Packers running back Ryan Grant has agreed to a four-year contract extension potentially worth $30 million. He will now make $4.25 million in 2008, but the remaining details are still undisclosed.

Walker almost retired: ESPN reports that Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker recently intended to retire, even offering to return his $11 million signing bonus, but owner Al Davis convinced him to stay with the team.

Smith suspended two games: The Panthers have suspended wide receiver Steve Smith for the first two games of the regular season in the wake of his altercation with teammate Ken Lucas on Friday. Lucas suffered a broken nose in the melee. "What he did was wrong, we take it very serious, and he's being punished severely for it," Panthers head coach John Fox told reporters after announcing the suspension.

August 2:

Miami quarterback battle getting interesting: The Miami Herald reports that quarterback Chad Henne has been impressive enough in training camp so far that he is now a serious contender to start over Josh McCown and John Beck.

Jets safety Artrell Hawkins, a former second-round pick, has announced his retirement from football.

Steelers WR Sweed "Shocked" At Vision Improvement: Football has become much clearer for Pittsburgh Steelers rookie wide receiver Limas Sweed. Literally. Sweed started wearing contact lenses Thursday to compensate for a slight case of astigmatism, and his improved vision should only help the second-round draft pick as he pushes for a spot in the Steelers' wide receiver rotation.

Giants WR Burress Contract Talks Reportedly Stalled: New York Giants WR Plaxico Burress' contract situation isn't likely to be resolved soon, according to someone informed of the progress of talks between the team and Burress' agent, Drew Rosenhaus.

August 1:

Boldin to get MRI on hamstring: Cardinals wide receiver Anquan Boldin is still nusing a sore hamstring and will undergo an MRI to check on it. "Everything seems OK except when he really opens it up," head coach Ken Whisenhunt told the Arizona Republic.

Broncos officially release Lynch: Frustrated by the prospect of returning to the Broncos as a part-time player, veteran S John Lynch requested the team release him outright. Thursday, the team granted that request.

July 31:

FA WR Henry Suspended 4 Games, May Negotiate With Teams: Wide receiver Chris Henry was suspended by the NFL on Thursday for four games but may play the final 12 games of the regular season for any team that signs him.

FA RB Mike Bell Signs with Texans: With concerns still surrounding the back injury to Chris Brown, the Texans signed former Broncos running back Mike Bell on Thursday. Bell is well-versed on the zone-blocking scheme the Texans are implementing this offseason. He is a third-year back who saw his most success as a rookie in 2006 in Denver.

WR Mike Williams Released: The Titans released receiver Mike Williams on Thursday, adding another disappointing chapter to the once-heralded player's NFL career.

July 30:

TE Gates Improving, Hopes to Be Ready for Opener: Rehab is going better than Antonio Gates ever anticipated. If it keeps at this pace, with the gains outpacing the setbacks, with him able to manage the discomfort, Antonio Gates believes he will definitely be ready for the opener.

QB Pennington Gaining Grip on Top Job: This race isn't over, but all indications are that Chad Pennington looks much more accomplished running the Jets' offense. We'll see how things look during the preseason games, but right now the contest is lopsidedly in favor of Pennington according to observers close to the Jets.

July 29:

Pats Activate S Harrison From PUP List: The New England Patriots activated All-Pro S Rodney Harrison from the PUP list

Cowboys CB Newman Could Miss Two Weeks: Dallas Cowboys CB Terrence Newman may miss up to two weeks with a strained left groin. Newman's MRI came back negative, but the team does not want to rush him back.

Steelers P Sepulveda Out For Season: Pittsburgh Steelers P Daniel Sepulveda will miss the entire 2008 season after tearing his right ACL. Sepulveda will be placed on injured reserve. The Steelers claimed P Paul Ernster off waivers from the Lions to take the open roster spot.

July 28:

Bills RB Lynch Will Not Receive Disciplinary Action: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell appeared at Buffalo Bills training camp after having a meeting with Senator Schumer and owner Ralph Wilson. Goodell stated that running back Marshawn Lynch, based on how his hit-and-run case played out, did not violate the league's personal conduct policy and will not face any disciplinary action from the league.

Eagles RB Westbrook Wants Deal Done: Philadelphia Eagles RB Brian Westbrook is intent on getting his contract restructured sooner rather than later. "That's what I'm counting on," Westbrook said, when asked if he wanted the deal done before the start of the season. "I don't have a deadline right now...I want those guys to be able to work through something. Hopefully, it happens some time soon."

Patriots Training Camp News and Highlights: July 31 - August 3

Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe does a great job covering and reporting from the New England Patriots Training Camps. Here are some of his reported highlights from July 31 - August 3:

July 31:
Rookies “worked” on a fumble drill at the start of practice that included a hose, as they were drenched by linebacker Tedy Bruschi as they slid across the field; a yearly ritual of camp.

When a player makes a mental mistake in practice, such as a false start, or jumping offside, he is required to run a lap. When QB Tom Brady doesn't hesitate and simply starts making his way around the field when he makes a mistake, it’s a reflection of strong leadership. Brady leads by example.

Runningback Laurence Maroney stepped up his game and stonewalled linebacker Jerod Mayo in one-on-one pass-blocking work. Good to see Maroney getting his game together.

The Patriots have Chad Jackson, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Matthew Slater, Kevin Faulk, C.J. Jones and Terrence Wheatley as returners. Slater, in particular, seems to have a knack for the return spot, combining instinct and acceleration as the hole opens.

Defensive backs continue to get their hands on footballs, which has been one of the more encouraging early story lines of camp from a Patriots perspective.

August 1:
Patriots great Andre Tippett will be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame this weekend.

August 2:
The Patriots announced the signing of free-agent offensive lineman Barry Stokes. The team also placed veteran offensive lineman Anthony Clement on injured reserve with a knee injury.

Ellis Hobbs and Wes Welker were both happy to be back at practice after missing the first week on the physically-unable-to-perform list. Hobbs, who is recovering from off-season shoulder and groin surgeries, said that he's not at full speed yet. Welker, who was back after a groin injury that forced him to miss mini-camp and the start of training camp, said he's feels he's fully healthy now.

August 3:
Belichick praised all three backup QBs, saying Cassel has had a good camp, Gutierrez is one of the team's hardest workers and O'Connell seems more confident under center than in spring camps.

As for the incumbent QB, Tom Brady, who is celebrating his 31st birthday today. Belichick did not have an update on the franchise QB’s status after Brady tweaked his left leg during practice yesterday.

TE David Thomas is back on the practice field. Thomas had been held out of practice due to an undisclosed ailment after leaving last Monday's session with a member of the team's training staff.