Knee Injury Not Serious

FOXBORO - The Patriots received some positive injury news yesterday, as it appears left tackle Matt Light did not sustain a serious right knee injury in Sunday's overtime loss to the Denver Broncos. According to ESPN.com's Adam Schefter, Light suffered "no significant ligament damage in his knee or ankle" when center Dan Koppen rolled over his leg on the first play of the fourth quarter. Light's time table to return is not clear (Boston Herald)

FF Today's Take: This is good news for Tom Brady and the Patriots passing game. Although not timetable has been set, the Petriots should be fine along the offensive line until Light can return.

Mike Reiss, of The Boston Globe, reports the New England Patriots are returning all five starters on the offensive line this season. LT matt Light, LG Logan Mankins, C Dan Koppen, RG Stephen Neal and RT Nick Kaczur are all set to take the field when training camp opens.

Said Bills coach Dick Jauron of T Jason Peters, “We’re anxious that he’s present and involved.”Dolphins WR Ernest Wilford will be in camp and given an opportunity to earn playing time.Patriots C Dan Koppen is looking forward to snapping the ball to QB Tom Brady again.  [Editor’s note:  Or maybe Koppen simply misses the feel [...]

Slater, who has worked as a safety of late, was spotted with the receiver group before Sunday's game against the Bucs, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: He could actually factor in along with Brandon Tate and Sam Aiken for reserve wideout reps, with Joey Galloway having been released and Julian Edleman out.Sun, Oct 25

News: Patriots WR Matt Slater and TE Michael Matthews both dressed but failed to record an offensive stat Week 6 against the Titans.

Analysis: We are not shocked Slater or Matthews failed to get on the stat sheet. It is a common thing for both players, who are reserves and contribute on special teams. Continue to ignore both players heading into Week 7 against the Bucs

News: Patriots TE Michael Matthews, WR Matt Slater, TE Chris Baker and QB Brian Hoyer all dressed for New England's Week 4 win vs. the Ravens but failed to produce an offensive stat.

Analysis: None of these players should be used in the majority of Fantasy leagues. Ignore all of them in Week 4 at Denver

Mike Reiss, of The Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots OL Logan Mankins and OL Richard Ohrnberger were carted off the field during the team’s practice Sunday, Aug. 16, with what appeared to be heat-related issues. Both players appeared to be OK.

In one respect, Patriots OLG Logan Mankins and NT Vince Wilfork are in similar situations. That is, both of them are standout players entering the final year of their contracts and want extensions. But while Wilfork grudgingly showed up to ...

New England Patriots offensive guard Logan Mankins is entering the final year of his contract after being drafted in the first round in 2005. And if 2010 is an uncapped year, he’ll be a restricted free agent. Instead of skipping offseason practices, though, as Patriots nose guard Vince Wilfork has been doing because he’s unhappy with his [...]

Mark LeVoir has been activated from the PUP list, according to Aaron Wilson of the National Football Post.

Our View: LeVoir will provide extra depth at offensive tackle with Matt Light down for today's game against the Buccaneers.

New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman (forearm) and OT Matt Light (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Oct. 23. They have been ruled out for the team's Week 7 game.

Michael Vega, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB Fred Taylor (ankle), RB Sammy Morris (knee), WR Julian Edelman (forearm) and OT Matt Light (knee) were not spotted with the travel party for the team's Week 7 game in London.

News: Patriots WR Wes Welker will face his former team, the Dolphins, for the fifth time in Week 9. In the previous four games, Welker has had mixed success with two games over 120 yards and two below 60 yards. Miami ranks 21st against the pass this season and features two rookie starting DBs.

Analysis: Welker has 257 yards over his past two outings and has a great chance to produce another 100-yard game on Sunday as Tom Brady should be able to pick apart the weak Miami secondary. Start Welker as a No. 1 Fantasy WR in all formats

Welker racked up 10 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown as the Patriots blew out Tampa Bay 35-7 on Sunday in London.

Impacts: That gives Welker 343 yards and four touchdowns in the last three games, and with Tom Brady back on track he turns into a must-play every week once again. That is, every week after the Patriots' bye this week.

Wes Welker says his troublesome knee is finally almost 100 percent healthy, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View: Very bad news for the rest of league, as he has routinely had big games amidst the injury. Just in the past two weeks, he has reeled in 20 balls for 257 yards and three touchdowns.

Posted by ESPN.com's Tim Graham Boston Globe reporter Albert Breer caught up with Tom Brady on Friday, and the New England...

Tom Brady is probable for Sunday's home game against Miami, according to WEEI Sports.

Our View: Brady fully practiced all week with no issues with his right shoulder, and was never uncertain to play Sunday. He has a good matchup as the Dolphins are ranked 21st in pass defense.

New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (shoulder) participated in practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as probable for Week 9 and will be able to play.

Sammy Morris will miss Week 9 against Miami due to his ailing knee, according to WEEI.com.

Our View: It is uncertain when Morris may be ready to return to the gridiron, and should remain held out of fantasy lineups until further notice.

Morris (knee) is listed as out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: Fred Taylor is still out as well, so it will be another week with Laurence Maroney featured, with Kevin Faulk in his usual change-of-pace role and BenJarvus Green-Ellis also in the mix to a lesser degree. More on Morris leading up to Week 10's game against the Colts.Fri, Nov 6

News: The Boston Herald reports that RB Sammy Morris will be back on the field in two weeks for New England. The veteran rusher hurt his knee in Week 6 and hasn't played since.

Analysis: If you have the roster space to use on a player who will carry some value as a starter in a couple of weeks, take a shot on Morris -- he should at least get a portion of the carries from Laurence Maroney upon his return, possibly in Week 11. He's not expected to play Week 9 against the Dolphins

Fred Taylor has been ruled out for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, according to WEEI Sports.

Our View: The 33-year-old vet will be missing his fourth straight game due to an ankle injury. Sammy Morris (knee) is also out, so Laurence Maroney should handle the bulk of the workload at running back.

News: Patriots RB Laurence Maroney will take on the Dolphins in Week 9 potentially without two of their best run stoppers. LB Channing Crowder and DT Jason Ferguson are both listed as doubtful for the game after being limited in practice this week. The Patriots have given the ball to Maroney a healthy amount over the last two weeks with RBs Fred Taylor and Sammy Morris sidelined. He's had at least 14 touches in each game with 29 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns in those games. Maroney didn't play vs. Miami last year but did rack up 156 yards and a touchdown in his last game against them in 2007.

Analysis: Maroney was an iffy No. 2 Fantasy RB before this news, but assuming those defenders are out for the Dolphins, you can feel good about starting the Pats' back in Week 9 in that slot. We'll know more about Maroney and his matchup on Sunday before kickoff of the game

Sammy Morris missed practice for the second straight day Thursday, according to the Providence Journal.

Our View: Morris is on the shelf indefinitely while recovering from a knee injury. Fred Taylor (ankle) is also not practicing, meaning Laurence Maroney should handle the bulk of the workload at running back Sunday against Miami.

Patriots agreed to terms with fourth-round OG Rich Ohrnberger on a four-year, $2.2 million contract. Ohrnberger, a Penn State grad, will back up at both guard spots this season. With right guard Stephen Neal a free agent after next season, Ohrnberger could be groomed as his replacement.Source: Scout.com

Fourth-round pick Rich Ohrnberger has agreed to a four-year deal with the Patriots worth around $2.20MM, according to Scout.com.

Our View: He projects to serve at guard, and could develop into a starter and future replacement for Stephen Neal if the club opts not to re-sign Neal due to his poor track record with durability.

The New England Patriots reportedly have agreed to terms with offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger, the team’s fourth-round pick in the 2009 draft. According to Adam Caplan of Scout.com, it’s four-year contract, with a value of roughly $2.2 million. The deal also includes a $451,000 signing bonus. Ohrnberger, who played college football at Penn State, is the first of [...]

New England Patriots OG Stephen Neal (rest) and OT Nick Kaczur (ankle) participated in practice Friday, Oct. 16. They are not on the injury report for Week 6 and will play.

New England Patriots OT Nick Kaczur (ankle) was limited in practice Thursday, Oct. 15. He has been limited in practice for two weeks, but he has been able to start the last two games.

Nick Kaczur is expected to play on Sunday despite being limited in practice this week with an ankle injury, according to Scout.com. Kaczur should start at right tackle for the Patriots against the Broncos barring a setback.

Our View: Kaczur is a tough offensive lineman, so no little ankle injury is goin to keep him out. This is good news for Tom Brady owners in particular, as quarterback usually suffer when the offensive line gets shuffled.

Ben Watson was limited in practice for the third straight day Friday, according to WEEI Sports.

Our View: He is dealing with a back ailment, and is questionable for Sunday's game against Miami.

Ben Watson (back, questionable) was limited in practice again Friday. Watson's questionable listing makes him a poor fantasy bet in an otherwise favorable matchup against Miami's slow safeties. We'll know his status early because the Patriots-Dolphins game has a 1PM ET start Sunday.Source: Boston Herald

Ben Watson was limited in practice for the second straight day Thursday, according to the Providence Journal. He is nursing a back ailment.

Our View: Watson should be a good bet to play Sunday against Miami. He only has 15 receptions, but scored four touchdowns for fantasy owners.

News: Patriots WR Wes Welker will face his former team, the Dolphins, for the fifth time in Week 9. In the previous four games, Welker has had mixed success with two games over 120 yards and two below 60 yards. Miami ranks 21st against the pass this season and features two rookie starting DBs.

Analysis: Welker has 257 yards over his past two outings and has a great chance to produce another 100-yard game on Sunday as Tom Brady should be able to pick apart the weak Miami secondary. Start Welker as a No. 1 Fantasy WR in all formats

Welker racked up 10 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown as the Patriots blew out Tampa Bay 35-7 on Sunday in London.

Impacts: That gives Welker 343 yards and four touchdowns in the last three games, and with Tom Brady back on track he turns into a must-play every week once again. That is, every week after the Patriots' bye this week.

Wes Welker says his troublesome knee is finally almost 100 percent healthy, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View: Very bad news for the rest of league, as he has routinely had big games amidst the injury. Just in the past two weeks, he has reeled in 20 balls for 257 yards and three touchdowns.

News: Patriots WR Sam Aiken could be a nice sleeper Fantasy option in Week 9 when New England hosts Miami and their secondary that features two rookie starters.

Analysis: Aiken should be New England's No. 3 receiver on Sunday with Julian Edelman still out with a broken forearm. He's certainly worth a shot in deeper Fantasy formats as a flier flex option

Aiken caught two passes for 66 yards -- including a 54-yard TD -- in Sunday's 35-7 win over the Bucs.

Spin: Aiken earns most of his keep for his role as a special-teamer, but there will be some looks for him now that Joey Galloway is gone and Julian Edelman is hurt. Just don't expect big plays to become the norm for him.Sun, Oct 25

Sam Aiken had two catches for 66 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's win over the Bucs. Aiken took a shallow crossing pattern to the house for a second-quarter touchdown. The special teams captain was the clear No. 3 receiver and Tom Brady showed no hesistation throwing to the big, physical target. The Pats even called a wide receiver screen for Aiken when the game was still in doubt. With Julian Edelman (arm) out indefinitely, Aiken's role is secure as the Pats head into a bye.

James Sanders was limited in today's practice while nursing his shoulder ailment, according to the Patriots' official website.

Our View: Sanders played in Week 7, and should be ready to go Sunday against Miami while coming off the bye.

Sanders (shoulder) is listed as active for Sunday's game against the Bucs.

Spin: Sanders is back, but Brandon McGowan has been starting over Sanders of late, which limits his IDP viability.Sun, Oct 25

Sanders (shoulder) was limited at practice Friday, but is listed as probable for Sunday's game against the Bucs, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: It sounds like Sanders may be back this week, which would be good for the team's safety depth, but Brandon McGowan has been starting over Sanders of late, which limits his IDP impact.Fri, Oct 23

Week 4 inactives: WR Joey Galloway, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, SS Bret Lockett, LB Jerod Mayo, WR Joey Galloway, OG Kendall Simmons, OG Richard Ohrnberger and DL Ron Brace.

Our View: QB Tom Brady (shouder) and WR Wes Welker (knee) are both active and will start. WR Joey Galloway is a healthy scratch, and he will be replaced in multiple receiver sets by Julian Edelman. Meanwhile, DT Vince Wilfork (ankle) and CB Leigh Bodden (thigh) are active and will start.

The New England Patriots have declared RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, SS Bret Lockett, LB Jerod Mayo, WR Joey Galloway, OG Kendall Simmons, OG Richard Ohrnberger, DL Ron Brace inactive for Week 4.

Patriots.com reports New England Patriots DB Bret Lockett (chest) went through a full practice Saturday, Sept. 12, and has been listed as probable for Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

Patriots.com reports New England Patriots CB Terrence Wheatley (knee) was limited during practice Saturday, Sept. 12, and has been listed as questionable for Week 1 against the Buffalo Bills.

Patriots CB Terrence Wheatley (wrist surgery) is participating in the team's offseason program. The second-year corner appears to be fully recovered from November wrist surgery, but he's been pushed down the depth by the signings of veterans Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden.Source: Boston Globe

New England Patriots CB Terrence Wheatley (wrist) has been placed on Injured Reserve, ending his 2008 season.

Ty Warren was limited in practice for the second straight day Friday, according to WEEI.com.

Our View: Warren is recovering from an ankle injury, and is questionable for Sunday's home game against Miami. He is a solid defensive end when healthy.

New England Patriots DL Ty Warren (ankle) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 6. He is listed as questionable for Week 9 but is expected to play.

Warren (ankle) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, the Boston Globe reports.

Spin: It's believed that he'll be able to play this weekend, but check back with us Sunday if he is one of your IDPs.Fri, Nov 6

On Tuesday, Albert Breer of Sporting News reported that the Patriots had released linebacker Eric Alexander.The only problem?  According to Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald, coach Bill Belichick claimed during a Wednesday press conference that Alexander was not released.The...

Eric Alexander has re-signed with the New England Patriots.

Our View: His release earlier in the day was a procedural move, and he could sign a long-term contract soon.

Patriots re-signed ILB Eric Alexander. Similar to pass rusher Tully Banta-Cain, the special teamer was brought back shortly after being released. He's back on the practice field Tuesday afternoon.Source: Boston Herald

Burgess had three tackles and a sack in Monday's 25-24 win over the Bills.

Spin: Burgess is coming off a pair of down years with Oakland, but when he is right, he is capable of racking up double-digit sacks.Mon, Sep 14

News: New England DL Derrick Burgess sacked QB Trent Edwards as the Patriots beat the Bills on Monday night. Burgess had 3 solo tackles.

Analysis: Burgess is a quality pass rusher for the Patriots but he lacks big tackling ability and that limits him in Fantasy IDP leagues. Consider him a low-end No. 3 option for Week 2 at the Jets

Derrick Burgess has been working solely as a defensive end since being acquired by the Patriots, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View: Burgess still has some catching up to do regarding the playbook, and he should eventually get worked into the mix as an outside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. Either way, his primary role looks to be as a pass rusher.

The Patriots are using a rare four-man rotation at cornerback this season, with Leigh Bodden playing the most. Bodden has played 75% of the snaps, while Jonathan Wilhite plays second most (66%) and rookie Darius Butler (55) is third. Shawn Springs brings up the rear at 49%. The plan has worked, as New England ranks fifth against the pass and isn't giving up nearly as many big plays as last year's secondary.Source: Boston Globe Related: Shawn Springs, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler

Bodden had a team-high 11 tackles in Sunday's loss to the Broncos.

Spin: That was easily a season-high for Bodden, who now has 24 tackles through five games. We'd like to see him rack up tackles on a more consistent basis though before recommending him strongly as an IDP.Sun, Oct 11

New England Patriots CB Leigh Bodden (thigh) fully participated in practice Friday, Oct. 2. He is listed as probable for Week 4.

Green, who recently had his knee scoped, said he will not play next week against the Colts and added he will miss "a few weeks," the Boston Globe reports. "The knee feels pretty good," Green said. "Rehab is going good. We are taking it one day at a time. [The surgery] was something that had to be done. I have been playing with it for about four weeks, so it got worse and worse. We've got a lot of football left and it makes sense."

Spin: It sounds like Green plans to be ready for the Patriots' stretch run, but in the meantime, Mike Wright should continue to see added work on the team's defensive front line.Sat, Nov 7

Patriots linebacker Jarvis Green recently had surgery to repair a knee injury.  And in discussing the matter at a Friday night charity event, Green might have gotten the team in a little hot water."The knee is going good, rehab is...

News: Patriots DL Jarvis Green has been ruled out of the team's Week 9 game against Miami after reportedly undergoing knee surgery during the team's bye week.

Analysis: Green is not a relevant Fantasy option when healthy and should not be owned in any IDP league

Guyton had five tackles in Sunday's loss to the Broncos.

Spin: That gives Guyton 31 tackles through five games, but now that Jerod Mayo is back, he's the Patriots' linebacker to own.Sun, Oct 11

Patriots ILB Jerod Mayo (knee) is listed as doubtful for Week 4, according to the Boston Herald. Pats NT Vince Wilfork had limited practice as he battles an ankle injury. Mancini’s Take: Mayo looks to once again be a spectator this week, while Wilfork is a questionable game-day decision. Gary Guyton has done a credible job in Mayo’s stead thanks to his intelligence, versatility, and all-out hard-hitting explosiveness. Replacing the larger-than-life Wilfork is a horse of a...

Jerod Mayo is doubtful for Week 4 against Baltimore while still recovering from a sprained MCL, according to the Boston Herald.

Our View: Mayo returned to practice for the first time today, but the star linebacker seems likely to miss another game. Gary Guyton has been filling his shoes at inside linebacker while out of action.

Shalise Manza Young, of The Providence Journal, reports New England Patriots LB Adalius Thomas (personal) was present during the media-access portion of practice Wednesday, Nov. 4.

Adalius Thomas (undisclosed) was absent from Tuesday's practice, according to the Boston Globe.

Our View: Thomas was not motivated to perform better following his benching, as he only made one solo tackle in Week 7 at Tampa Bay. He will not be a recommended option for IDP leagues in Sunday's game against Miami.

Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots WR Julian Edelman (forearm), LB Adalius Thomas (undisclosed), RB Fred Taylor (ankle), CB Jonathan Wilhite (undisclosed), RB Sammy Morris (knee), OT Matt Light (knee) and DL Jarvis Green (knee) were not seen during the media-access portion of practice Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Mike Reiss, of The Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots S Patrick Chung will likely be the team’s primary punt returner for their preseason game Friday, Aug. 28.

Mike Reiss, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots SS Patrick Chung has been playing in the deep third of the field during practices as well as lining up as the slot corner and doing several things on special teams at training camp.

News: Safety Patrick Chung is the latest second-round pick to sign with the New England Patriots. Chung signed on Monday, the last of the team's four second-rounders to agree to terms. Details were not disclosed, although the other three Patriots draftees in that round signed four-year contracts. The former Oregon safety started the most games in his school's history. He was the Patriots first selection in this year's draft after they traded out of the first round.

Analysis: Chung will battle for playing time in camp and is the kind of hard-hitting safety the team has longed for. He's got a shot to be useful in IDP leagues if he can find regular playing time. Consider him a sleeper worth a late-round pick in seasonal and dynasty leagues; he's a mid-round choice in rookie-only drafts