New England Patriots Trade Rumors

Faulk contemplates if it's time to retire
February 11
Boston Globe
 
"After getting home from Indianapolis, his emotions at not being in uniform for Super Bowl XLVI and the reality of his team's loss still fresh, Kevin Faulk was talking with a friend when he looked at a picture of Troy Brown. When Faulk was drafted by the Patriots out of Louisiana State in 1999, he immediately was drawn to Brown, the team's versatile and selfless receiver. And looking at the picture of Brown this week, it hit Faulk: If Brown could survive not being in uniform for his last game with New England, he could as well. "Why not? I look up to him. Everything he's done. And why couldn't I do it?'' Faulk said yesterday. In an emotional interview at the NESN studios, Faulk sounded like"
Gronkowski will play
February 5
Pro Football Talk
 
"It's hardly Pulitzer-worthy, but we nevertheless need to report what we know. Per a league source, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will play Sunday (wait, there's a game Sunday?) despite a high ankle sprain suffered against the Ravens in the AFC title game. As agent Drew Rosenhaus told NBC SportsTalk this week, Gronkowski wouldn't play if it wasn't the Super Bowl. And Gronkowski may end up having surgery after the game."
Tiquan Underwood cut on eve of Bowl
February 5
Boston Herald
 
"The Patriots offered a harsh reminder last night that the NFL is still a business. Often, a cold business. The night before Super Bowl XLVI, the team released receiver Tiquan Underwood and promoted defensive end Alex Silvestro from the practice squad. Underwood would not have figured prominently into the game plan, and the team likely plans to use undrafted rookie Silvestro as part of a defensive line rotation. In addition, this makes it all but certain that receiver Chad Ochocinco will be active for tonight's game. A source said there was no disciplinary measure, and the team still wants Underwood back for next season. All of which makes the move even more harsh. He went through every bit"
Rob Gronkowski has final say
February 2
ESPN.com
 
"New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski said Thursday that the final decision on whether he plays in Super Bowl XLVI will come as a result of collaboration between him and the team's athletic training staff. "It's my body and I know how I feel the best," Gronkowski said. "I just communicate with the trainers on how I feel, what they think, and we just put all our knowledge together so we can get the best possible situation." Gronkowski added that he wouldn't play if he felt it wasn't the right thing to do. "I will make the final call. I listen to the trainer's advice, but it's how I feel," he said. "I'm just trying to get better. The trainer has helped me to get to a place where I"
Pats explore specialized cleat for Gronkowski
February 1
ESPN.com
 
"New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski held court with the media Wednesday. He echoed head coach Bill Belichick's comments that he was unsure if he would practice Wednesday but had a couple interesting nuggets about his injured left ankle. For starters, Gronkowski said the team will look into the possibility of a specialized cleat for his left foot. Sometimes teams are able to make a shoe that protects the ankle in the event of swelling during the game."
Rob Gronkowski out of walking boot
January 31
ESPN.com
 
"New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski enjoys spiking the football with force after scoring a touchdown. He hopes there is an opportunity to do so in Super Bowl XLVI, but for now, he was happy to spike the large walking boot he had been wearing for his left high ankle sprain. "No more boot," Gronkowski said during Tuesday's media day session at Lucas Oil Stadium. "That thing is done with." Gronkowski called it a positive step toward playing Sunday night against the New York Giants, later hinting that would be the case. "It's the Super Bowl this week, the biggest game. It's not a regular-season game," he said. "You have to treat it a lot differently.""
Wes Welker: 'Not too worried' about deal
January 30
ESPN.com
 
"New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, whose contract expires shortly after Super Bowl XLVI, said Sunday he can't see himself in another uniform next season. "I plan on being back," Welker said Sunday after the Patriots arrived for the Super Bowl. "I am not really too worried about that right now. I am fully concentrated on this game and what we have to do, but I plan on being back." Welker, who leads the NFL in receptions over the last five years (554), might not have much of a say in that decision. If the sides can't hammer out an extension by the start of the 2012 league year in March, the Patriots would likely put the franchise tag on the 30-year-old. The tag would restrict his"
Star TE Gronkowski, sticks out on mandated injury list
January 26
Boston Herald
 
"The Patriots didn't practice yesterday, but the NFL required that both the Patriots and Giants submit a participation report, anyway. That led the team to say that — had the team practiced — tight end Rob Gronkowski would not have participated. The Pro Bowl tight end suffered a sprained ankle with ligament damage in the AFC Championship Game after Ravens safety Bernard Pollard tackled him, a source said. He is expected to play, but he might be limited. As for the Giants, running back Ahmad Bradshaw (foot), receiver Hakeem Nicks (shoulder) and safety Tyler Sash (concussion) would not have participated."
Rob Gronkowski will be ready
January 24
Boston Herald
 
"Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski suffered what looked to be a serious ankle injury late in Sunday's 23-20 AFC title game win over the Ravens, but looks can be deceiving. A source with direct knowledge of Gronkowski's condition said the ailment won't prevent him from participating in the Super Bowl in Indianapolis in two weeks. The source said of Gronkowski, who was injured on a 23-yard catch in the third quarter, "He'll be ready to go." Patriots fans everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief."
Source: Rob Gronkowski's ankle injury won't stop him from playing in Super Bowl XLVI
January 23
Boston Herald
 
"Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski left the locker room feeling optimistic after his team defeated the Ravens 23-20 yesterday to land in Super Bowl XLVI against the Giants. With good reason. A source told me this morning that Gronkowski's left ankle, which he injured on a 23-yard catch in the third quarter, won't prevent him from participating in the game in Indianapolis in two weeks. The source with direct knowledge of Gronkowski's condition said simply, "He'll be ready to go.""
Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski leaves Gillette Stadium in a walking boot
January 23
Boston Herald
 
"Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski suffered a scary injury in the Patriots 23-20 win over the Ravens to send them to Super Bowl XLVI, as notorious safety Bernard Pollard flattened his ankle. Yet Gronk, un-human, returned after missing just three minutes. He played in the fourth quarter, but clearly wasn't himself. Gronk finished with five catches for 85 yards, but none after injury."
All's well that ends well for Gronkowski
January 23
Boston Herald
 
"As Rob Gronkowski walked to his locker following yesterday's 23-20 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Patriots [team stats] owner Robert Kraft looked at the tight end and said, "I like the way you're walking." His teammates and Patriots fans would tend to agree. The 22-year-old gave everyone a scare after leaving yesterday's AFC Championship Game following what looked to be a gruesome ankle roll. With 43 seconds remaining in the third quarter, Gronkowski reeled in a 23-yard Tom Brady [stats] pass. When he caught the ball, he immediately tried to dodge a tackle from Ravens safety Bernard Pollard — but instead Pollard fell on Gronkowski's right ankle, completely flattening it underneath him."
Aaron Hernandez says he's OK
January 15
Boston Globe
 
"Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez didn't speak much to reporters following Saturday's game against the Denver Broncos, but he did say he was OK after appearing concussed in the fourth quarter. Hernandez caught four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown. But he made his contribution running the ball for the Patriots. He led the Patriots rushing with a 61 yards on five carries, including a 43-yard jaunt in the first quarter that led to the Patriots' first touchdown."
Source: Josh McDaniels to be Pats OC
January 9
ESPN.com
 
"Josh McDaniels and the New England Patriots have agreed to a deal that will make McDaniels the team's offensive coordinator in 2012, according to a league source. The Patriots announced Sunday night that McDaniels has been hired as an offensive assistant coach for the rest of this season. McDaniels will replace Bill O'Brien, the new head coach at Penn State. O'Brien will work as the Patriots' offensive coordinator for the remainder of this season. McDaniels is returning to the team he left in 2009, when he took the Broncos' head coaching job. The Patriots will face the Broncos in the divisional playoffs Saturday night at Foxborough, Mass."
McDaniels back on Patriots staff
January 8
Boston Globe
 
"As expected, Josh McDaniels is returning to his NFL roots and reuniting with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady as a member of the Patriots coaching staff. McDaniels will replace the departing Bill O'Brien - who was introduced yesterday as Penn State's new head coach - as offensive coordinator, though a league source said McDaniels may have an expanded role with the team. According to the source, a deal has been finalized with McDaniels, who has been in New England since Friday night."
Pats look to reconnect with Josh McDaniels
January 7
Boston Herald
 
"The spotlight now shines on Josh McDaniels. The Patriots received permission to speak with their former offensive coordinator, a source told the Herald, with the conversations possibly beginning today. Current offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is leaving to become Penn State's coach, and McDaniels is a top candidate to fill the looming vacancy. McDaniels has a year left on his contract in St. Louis. But with a new, unnamed regime taking over for fired head coach Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams almost certainly will allow McDaniels to walk. The Pats aren't alone, as the Chiefs also will speak with McDaniels. But one must figure the Pats have the upper hand thanks to his relationship with coach"
Report: Pats approach Rams about McDaniels
January 6
CSN New England
 
"Meet the new offensive coordinator, same as the old offensive coordinator? Maybe. Bryan Burwell of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch quotes a "well-placed league source" in reporting the Patriots are one of two teams -- Scott Pioli's Chiefs, to no one's surprise, is the other -- to approach the Rams about permission to speak to Josh McDaniels. McDaniels was the Pats' offensive coordinator from 2006-08 (though it's assumed he was also the de-facto O.C. in 2005, the year after Charlie Weis left the post) before taking over as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 2009. He was fired by the Broncos late in the 2010 season and spent this past year as offensive coordinator for the Rams."
O'Brien draws interest
January 2
Boston Globe
 
"Rumors began swirling last week that Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien might be interviewed for a head coaching position in the NFL, his name at one point tied to the Chiefs, who, it was reported, could hire him as offensive coordinator and "head coach in waiting.'' But yesterday multiple reports tied O'Brien's name to an entirely different job, and in the college game: Penn State. Last night, ESPN reported that O'Brien and Penn State officials were "expected to meet this week to work out a deal.'' The Patriots are in a bye week after wrapping up the No. 1 seed in the AFC playoffs yesterday. The Nittany Lions will close their season today against Houston in the TicketCity Bowl."
Reports link Patriots' Bill O'Brien to Penn St. job
January 2
Boston Herald
 
"Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien spent yesterday on the sideline at Gillette Stadium, helping his team take a 49-21 win over the Buffalo Bills. Could he end up on another sideline next season? O'Brien is a hot name in the coaching industry, and he plans to sit back over the next few days and evaluate his options for advancement. Yet despite what has been reported, nothing is impending involving O'Brien and the opening at Penn State. "Any imminent contract signing or agreement (with Penn State) is just off-base," agent Joe Linta of JL Sports told the Herald. "The most important thing for him is to win the Super Bowl. But if someone is going to be interested in him in the NFL,"
Sources: Bill O'Brien is top Penn State candidate
January 2
ESPN.com
 
"Penn State has identified New England Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien as the coach it wants to succeed Joe Paterno, sources told ESPN. The two sides are expected to meet this week to try to work out a deal. With New England getting ready to head into its bye week before the AFC divisional playoffs, and with Penn State's season finishing up Monday against Houston in the TicketCity Bowl, the school is expected to intensify its efforts to hire O'Brien. Last week, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Munchak was the school's choice to succeed Paterno. Munchak responded to the report saying he wasn't leaving Tennessee. On Saturday, sources told"
Source: Pats extend Jerod Mayo's deal
December 17
ESPN.com
 
"The New England Patriots have signed Pro Bowl linebacker Jerod Mayo to a five-year contract extension, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter on Saturday. Mayo, despite missing two games in October with a sprained knee, ranks third for the Patriots with 68 tackles this season after a year in which he logged a career-best 175 and was voted to his first Pro Bowl. He was the AP's defensive rookie of the year in 2008."
Vince Wilfork eager for active day on front line
December 9
Boston Herald
 
"While the Patriots have relied on many interchangeable parts on defense this season, one thing has remained consistent: Vince Wilfork. The 30-year-old captain anchors a defensive line that has held opponents to 102.1 rushing yards per game, good for 10th overall in the NFL. And Wilfork has played more snaps through 12 games this season than he has in any other season in his career. Though it's hard to miss the 6-foot-2, 325-pound nose tackle, his stats in the final box score aren't always eye-opening. That wasn't the case last week in the Patriots' 31-24 win over the Colts at Gillette. Wilfork started the first series with a sack of Indianapolis quarterback Dan Orlovsky and finished the"
Rob Gronkowski breaks TD receptions mark, then doesn't
December 5
Boston Herald
 
"For a few minutes yesterday, Rob Gronkowski was the proud owner of the NFL record for touchdown catches by a tight end in a single season. With his third touchdown catch of yesterday's 31-24 victory against the Colts apparently coming at 4:13 of the third quarter, he upped his season total to 14, moving him past Vernon Davis (San Francisco in 2009) and Antonio Gates (San Diego in 2004). He eschewed one of his customary mammoth spikes and carried the ball off the field with him. But wait. Hold that thought. And, upon further review, never mind. A short time later, the 2-yard catch was ruled a lateral from Tom Brady [stats]. So the record-setting catch was taken away, leaving Gronk tied for"
BenJarvus Green-Ellis back in form, just in time
November 25
Boston Herald
 
"Fifty-eight. Nine. Fifty-two. Eight. Think this might be one of Tom Brady's snap counts? Well, it's not. Prior to Monday night's game with the Chiefs, this was the succession of yards gained by BenJarvus Green-Ellis following his career high of 136 against the Jets in Week 5. The numbers represent his output against Dallas, Pittsburgh, the New York Giants and Jets, respectively, prior to Monday night's 20-carry, 81-yard, back-on-the-horse outburst against the Chiefs."
Tom Brady: 'I feel great'
November 24
Boston Herald
 
"Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has played this season wearing a brace usually reserved for tennis elbow on his right forearm. He's been seen icing or heating his arm, taking extra care of his valued appendage. Yet there are questions about whether he's fully healthy? Or strapped with tendinitis? Brady isn't having any of that. "I feel great," Brady said. "I feel great. I'm excited about this week. I'll be out there on Sunday (vs. Philadelphia) as I am always, unless they tell me I can't be. I'll be out there. I feel great and I'm ready to go try to play my best football.""
Tackle Sebastian Vollmer all right following injury
November 21
Boston Herald
 
"The 2011 season hasn't unfolded like Sebastian Vollmer imagined. The third-year player suffered a back injury in the preseason, missed five of the first six games, then appeared rusty when he returned against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Yet now, after working his way into form over the past three games, the Patriots starting right tackle is finally feeling like his old self. And at least he doesn't have to focus on his ailment. "It feels all right," said Vollmer, who was replaced by rookie Nate Solder. "Obviously, the concentration now is back on Kansas City (instead of the injury). You can only worry about things you can control. This weekend's going to be Kansas City, that's what I'm"
Separation from Moss remains
November 14
Boston Herald
 
"Randy Moss may be 13 months removed from his last days as a Patriot, but when his name comes up, it still generates a buzz in New England. That's largely because the Patriots remain without a legitimate, field-stretching threat for quarterback Tom Brady. And yes, the Pats could really use a guy who forces opposing defenses to stop packing the middle of the field, expands the offense and takes some of the pressure off wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski. For those pining for a Moss return, sure, the receiver fits the profile. But that was the Moss of 2007. Not the Moss who was traded by the Patriots to the Minnesota Vikings in October 2010. So in that context alone, don't"
Moss has turned down two teams, would listen to Patriots
November 13
Pro Football Talk
 
"As the New England Patriots face the very real prospect of losing their third straight game for the first time since 2002, the lack of a field-stretching threat in the passing game coupled with a potential three-game run of futility and the ongoing struggles of Chad Ochocinco could (not would or should, but could) prompt the Pats to pick up the phone and call Randy Moss. As Peter King of Sports Illustrated pointed out during halftime of last night's Maryland-Notre Dame game on NBC, Moss has not burned his bridge back to Foxborough, and Moss has told one veteran member of the Patriots that the Patriots are the only team for which Moss would play."
Patriots cut Albert Haynesworth
November 8
Pro Football Talk
 
"The Albert Haynesworth era in New England has come to an end. In a surprising roster move today, the Patriots have decided to cut Haynesworth, the defensive tackle they acquired in August in a trade with the Washington Redskins. Ian R. Rapoport of the Boston Herald, who first reported the move, notes that the decision to jettison Haynesworth comes two days after a sideline confrontation with defensive line coach Pepper Johnson."
Source: Pats' Wes Welker to play
November 6
ESPN.com
 
"Barring any last-minute setbacks, New England Patriots receiver Wes Welker, who suffered a neck injury last week, will play Sunday against the New York Giants, a source tells ESPN.com. Welker entered the weekend with every intention of facing the Giants and, according to the source, has a "99 percent" chance of playing. But the source slightly left open for the possibility of a late change due to the sensitivity and unpredictability of neck injuries. Welker twisted his neck in last week's, 25-17, loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is listed as questionable."
Patriots' Price eyes long look
November 4
Boston Globe
 
"The injuries have healed. He has learned the plays. Wide receiver Taylor Price is ready to be more involved in the Patriots' offense. Earlier this week, offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien said the time has come to get Price more reps. Yesterday, the second-year player said he is ready for the challenge."
Sources: Officials studying videotape in Julian Edelman case
November 2
Boston Herald
 
"The swanky Back Bay nightclub where Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman allegedly groped a young woman at a Halloween party is equipped with surveillance cameras that could help investigators determine what really happened that night, sources told the Herald. The 25-year-old Patriot — who was at the holiday party at the upscale club Storyville dressed as a "Reno 911!" spoof cop — pleaded not guilty to one charge of indecent assault and battery yesterday and was ordered to stay away from the bar and the alleged victim. Investigators yesterday were studying tapes of the late-night Halloween party taken from the Exeter Street club's surveillance cameras, according to one of the sources."
Taylor Price set to go up
November 2
Boston Herald
 
"After the Patriots [team stats]' preseason opener against Jacksonville, there was a lot of hype and buzz surrounding wide receiver Taylor Price. After what could be called a redshirt rookie year, Price looked like he was ready to contribute in a big way to the Patriots offense given how well he played against the Jaguars. He showed off his size, speed and athletic ability, catching five passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. His 11-yard TD catch from backup quarterback Brian Hoyer was an athletic marvel in the back of the end zone. He also hooked up with Ryan Mallett for a 50-yard completion."
Dowling put on IR
October 30
Boston Herald
 
"Another day, another surprising roster move surrounding a member of the secondary. The Patriots officially ended the rookie season for cornerback Ras-I Dowling, placing him on injured reserve last night. The No.?33 overall pick started the first two games, then battled what was called a hip ailment on the weekly injury report. A source said Dowling suffered a torn tendon in his leg, recently revealed by an MRI, that was causing the hip pain. The 6-foot-1, 198-pounder will not need surgery, but his injury likely would have taken four weeks to heal, not including time necessary to get in shape."
Leigh Bodden out on an island
October 29
Boston Herald
 
"In March 2010, the Patriots re-signed Leigh Bodden to a four-year deal that was to pay him $22 million, hailing the veteran as a mainstay in the secondary. Not even two years later, it was clear Bodden wasn't staying very long. Coach Bill Belichick released Bodden yesterday, the biggest in-season surprise yet for 2011. The 30-year-old was expected to be the third cornerback. Instead, he represented another expensive misstep in the defensive backfield, with Bodden receiving $10 million guaranteed to play just five games this season after missing all of last season with an injury. Sources said Bodden was cut because he did not embrace the slot cornerback — or "star" — role the team had"
Patriots release CB Leigh Bodden
October 28
Boston Globe
 
"In a surprising move, the Patriots have released veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden, according to a league source During Bill Belichick's press conference this morning, he was asked about the report, but said there is no announcement at this time. When asked to evaluate Bodden's play this season, Belichick said he will skip that question for now. It's been a slow start for Bodden, who has battled injuries in his third season with the Patriots. Bodden signed a one-year deal with the Patriots before the 2009 season and had a stellar season. He started 14 of 15 games that year and finished with 54 tackles and five interceptions, prompting the Patriots to re-sign him to a four-year, $22-million"
Patriots' Green-Ellis keeps going forward
October 26
Boston Globe
 
"Patriots running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis pounds out answers to questions with a staccato rhythm, slim on elaborate responses. His no-nonsense approach usually limits any emotion, but he broke from form yesterday. Green-Ellis listened to the beginning of a question about resting during the bye week."
Sebastian Vollmer eyes return to give line a boost
October 26
Boston Herald
 
"Among the most impressive attributes Sebastian Vollmer has displayed is his ability to stay even-keeled. Little rattles the Patriots [team stats] tackle, which is one reason why the offensive line knows it can count on him. The soft-spoken German deals with gameday pressure like its a speed bump, not a roadblock, and his play reflects it. Yet even Vollmer admits 2011 has been more difficult to handle than he imagined. He started the season with a back injury, forcing him to watch every game but one on TV. After his optimistic performance against the Chargers, a setback relegated him to the training room for the next four games."
Pats' Marcus Cannon blocks out cancer, practices
October 26
Boston Herald
 
"Marcus Cannon 1, Cancer 0. That officially became the score yesterday, when the Patriots [team stats] rookie offensive lineman practiced for the first time since he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a treatable form of the disease, prior to the NFL draft. The TCU product opened the season on the reserve/non-football injury list. Cannon has a three-week window in which to practice with the Pats before the team must decide whether to activate him. Yesterday, the best news was that Cannon was healthy enough to be on the field. The fifth-round draft pick with second-round talent has been working behind the scenes since he finished his eighth chemotherapy treatment in July."
Chad Ochocinco receives support of team
October 18
Boston Herald
 
"For the first time since the end of the 2009 season, Chad Ochocinco recorded no catches in a game, participating in fewer than 10 plays during the Patriots' 20-16 win against the Cowboys on Sunday. With the trade deadline today, and with the bye week a chance for teams to take stock of themselves, Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien and director of player personnel Nick Caserio were hit with several questions regarding Ochocinco. The result was unflinching support of the receiver, who already has received most of his $6 million salary. "We're happy with what Chad's done for us," Caserio said. "He's probably one of our best practice players. He goes out there, he works hard,"
Patriots' Mike Wright's season done
October 14
Boston Herald
 
"Mike Wright's 2011 season ended yesterday with a mix of sadness and relief, as the Patriots [team stats] defensive lineman was placed on injured reserve. Wright, the team's top inside pass-rusher, had battled the effects of a concussion since the Patriots opening win against the Dolphins. Wright also missed the end of last season with a concussion that left him forced to sit in a dark, quiet room. An undrafted player who became a key cog in the defensive line, Wright had 5.5 sacks in 2010. Yet his inability to stay on the field thanks to concussions makes one wonder if he'll be able to continue playing football at all."
Patriots practice without DT Vince Wilfork and RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
October 13
Boston Herald
 
"The Patriots practiced on the game field today in preparation for their 4:15 p.m. kickoff against Dallas this Sunday. They did so in full-pads… but without some key faces. RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, fresh off a career-rushing day, was not present. He came up on the Injury Report yesterday with a toe injury, then missed today. Perhaps he injured it in practice. That wasn't all."
Report: Mangold will start, Hernandez determined to play
October 9
Pro Football Talk
 
"If the Jets' struggles on offense trace to the absence of center Nick Mangold, who suffered a high ankle sprain three weeks ago, they won't have that excuse against the Patriots on Sunday. Sal Paolantonio of ESPN reports that Mangold will start. Paolantonio also reports that Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is "determined to play" following a knee injury also suffered in Week Two."
Report: Patriots RB Woodhead has no 'major damage' to ankle
October 4
NFL.com
 
"New England Patriots running back Danny Woodhead has "escaped major damage" to his injured ankle, the Boston Herald reported Tuesday. Woodhead suffered an ankle sprain in Sunday's 31-19 win over the Oakland Raiders, which forced him to hop off the field on one leg after just his second carry of the game."
Air attack not only weapon for Patriots
October 4
Boston Herald
 
"It wasn't complicated, clever or pretty. The Patriots run game didn't trick the Oakland Raiders or even keep them guessing. When the Pats lined up BenJarvus Green-Ellis or Stevan Ridley behind quarterback Tom Brady in one-back looks Sunday, they often ran the ball. And in their 29 called running plays, the Patriots sent those runners behind bruising tight end Rob Gronkowski 22 times. No frills, basic — extremely efficient. That's how you make a statement that the Pats aren't just a passing team. In their 31-19 victory against the Raiders, the Pats bruised and battered the home team, which also happens to have the best rushing attack in the NFL."
Gary Guyton stands in for Jerod Mayo
October 4
Boston Herald
 
"If there's any silver lining to the knee injury Jerod Mayo suffered Sunday, it's that the Patriots have been here before. In Sunday's 31-19 win against the Raiders, Mayo sprained the MCL in his left knee, which could sideline him for up to six weeks. Previously, the All-Pro inside linebacker sprained the MCL in his right knee in the season opener in 2009 and missed three weeks. That year, the Pats filled the void by plugging in Gary Guyton. They'll follow the same blueprint now."
Jerod Mayo feels the sprain
October 3
Boston Herald
 
"The Patriots will likely be without captain Jerod Mayo for the next several weeks. The Herald has learned that the star linebacker suffered a sprained MCL in his left knee in the second quarter of the Patriots' 31-19 win over the Raiders at O.co Coliseum. Mayo could be out up to six weeks, though he returned from a similar ailment in 2009 after three games. "We'll look at it tomorrow," coach Bill Belichick said, "(and) see where he's at going into this week.""
Jerod Mayo knows it's time for 'D' to step up
September 30
Boston Herald
 
"The loss didn't serve as a wakeup call. One wasn't necessary. The Patriots defense saw their warts in two early wins, even while celebrating their well-timed turnovers and propensity for goal-line stands. They didn't need a defeat to the Bills to alert them to their shortcomings. All the result did was sound the alarm louder. "We have to get better — fast," linebacker and captain Jerod Mayo said."
Safety first: Patrick Chung OK
September 30
Boston Herald
 
"Back at practice after missing the loss to the Bills, Patriots safety Patrick Chung grudgingly acknowledged that he had never played with a cast on his hand. He happily acknowledged that he didn't care. "I can play," Chung said yesterday in his first comments since breaking his thumb and sitting out last week. "I feel good. Great day. I'm all right. I'll be ready to play. If coach wants me out there, then I'm out there." Chung suffered the injury in the win over the Chargers, re-entering the game in the second half after doctors put a brace on his hand. But the thumb had to be set, forcing him to undergo surgery and miss the Buffalo game."