http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/teams/new_england_patriots/41 Recent articles about New England Patriots en-us According to Mike Reiss of ESPNBoston.com, Patriots running back Brandon Bolden hasn’t been cleared to participated in OTA’s because of an undisclosed ailment. Bolden’s absence Tuesday was health-related, as he has been taking part in the team’s offseason program but hasn’t been cleared to participate on the field as he continues to rehab an undisclosed ailment. Bolden, who missed two games last season with a knee injury and four because of a league-issued suspension, appeared in 10 regular-season games in 2012. He finished with 274 rushing yards on 56 carries and two touchdowns, and coaches credited him with six special teams tackles. His highlight came Sept. 30 against the Bills when the Patriots turned to a power running game against an undersized Bills’ sub defense and Bolden churned out a team-high 137 yards on 16 carries (8.6 avg.) and a touchdown. The following week is when he first showed up on the injury report (knee). Bolden’s status could have some connection to the Patri... Wed, 22 May 2013 23:47:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/patriots_brandon_bolden_not_cleared_to_participate_in_otas/13676033 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/patriots_brandon_bolden_not_cleared_to_participate_in_otas/13676033 Patriots’ Brandon Bolden not cleared to participate in OTA’s http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/patriots_brandon_bolden_not_cleared_to_participate_in_otas/13676033 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/a/2/a2eb5e954fe191a9d134bb27797ad60b9656f9a3/mini/6623794.jpg One day after being waived by the San Diego Chargers, the Patriots claim tackle Kevin Haslam. Chargers waived tackle Kevin Haslam yesterday. Claimed by Patriots today. — Michael Gehlken (@UTgehlken) May 22, 2013 The Chargers signed Haslam last year right before camp after he was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier in that offseason. He only played in 5 games for the Chargers where he contributed 2 tackles on special teams. I believe Haslam will only be a camp body for the Patriots as the team already has 9 offensive linemen on the roster. Need NFL Tickets? The post Patriots claim T Kevin Haslam appeared first on Pro Football Zone. Wed, 22 May 2013 17:37:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/patriots_claim_t_kevin_haslam/13674028 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/patriots_claim_t_kevin_haslam/13674028 Patriots claim T Kevin Haslam http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/patriots_claim_t_kevin_haslam/13674028 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola told WEEI in Boston that he doesn’t worry about people comparing him to Wes Welker, who’s now in Denver. “That’s not something I need to worry about,” Amendola said. “I’m worried about the playbook and getting the routes down and getting on the same page with my teammates. The good thing is, I don’t have to worry about that stuff.” Amendola shouldn’t worry about being compared to Welker because he’s a better receiver.  His only problem is that he’s been injury prone during his career.   Need NFL Tickets? The post Danny Amendola doesn’t worry about being compared to Wes Welker appeared first on Pro Football Zone. Wed, 22 May 2013 16:19:55 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/danny_amendola_doesnt_worry_about_being_compared_to_wes_welker/13673506 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/danny_amendola_doesnt_worry_about_being_compared_to_wes_welker/13673506 Danny Amendola doesn’t worry about being compared to Wes Welker http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/danny_amendola_doesnt_worry_about_being_compared_to_wes_welker/13673506 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/c/3cd9ac73ed50ccd1564e67bfc84262ee16a4007c/mini/6566828.jpg Tom Curran of CSNNE.com believes that it’s pretty obvious that linebacker Brandon Spikes will be playing his final season with the Patriots in 2013. The writing on the wall is becoming more legible when it comes to Brandon Spikes. Despite the fact he is the best purveyor of on-field nasty the Patriots have, Spikes’ distaste for the Patriots expectations of how to get ready for a season will probably mean a parting of the ways after 2013 when Spikes becomes a free agent. Spikes wasn’t present for the start of OTAs this week and hasn’t been a part of the offseason conditioning program. That’s his right. But with the rest of the team’s principal players in attendance, Spikes’ absence is a “screw you” to the program. And once it gets there, one would imagine it’s hard to turn that battleship around. You can’t put a price on chemistry and I’m getting the feeling the Patriots are concerned this offseason about making sure the right chemistry is in place with the number of young players they Wed, 22 May 2013 12:53:08 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brandon_spikes_likely_done_in_new_england_after_this_season/13671583 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brandon_spikes_likely_done_in_new_england_after_this_season/13671583 Brandon Spikes likely done in New England after this season http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/brandon_spikes_likely_done_in_new_england_after_this_season/13671583 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/7/f/7f4fc3ad4489ad42241ed21c6593615e4f070d3e/mini/6682020.jpg Linebacker Tedy Bruschi and broadcaster Gil Santos will be the newest members inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame, the team announced on Tuesday. Bruschi edged out fellow finalists offensive tackle Leon Gray and head coach Chuck Fairbanks. “Mr. Kraft called me on the phone last night and let me know, gave me the news,” Bruschi said. “He told me he was very proud of me to be inducted in the Patriots Hall of Fame, and I told him how much it meant to me.” Patriots owner Robert Kraft indicated Bruschi received about 75 percent of the vote. Bruschi was also elected to the College Football Hall of Fame earlier this month. Bruschi will be the 19th player in the Hall, joining 2012 inductee Troy Brown. Bruschi was drafted by the Patriots in the third round of the 1996 NFL draft, spending 13 seasons with New England. He won three Super Bowls and was a two-time Pro Bowler during his time with the team. Bruschi won the 2005 Comeback Player of the Year Award, returning to the football field ... Wed, 22 May 2013 11:26:38 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tedy_bruschi_broadcaster_gil_santos_will_be_inducted_into_patriots_hall_of_fame/13670893 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tedy_bruschi_broadcaster_gil_santos_will_be_inducted_into_patriots_hall_of_fame/13670893 Tedy Bruschi, Broadcaster Gil Santos Will Be Inducted Into Patriots Hall of Fame http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/tedy_bruschi_broadcaster_gil_santos_will_be_inducted_into_patriots_hall_of_fame/13670893 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/a/3a093a12b0bcfc6d0326a71f70d961e437c2cf56/mini/b7.jpg According to the Boston Herald Tom Brady and Danny Amendola spent extra time working together on routes and timing yesterday during the New England Patriots first day on the field together, and it seems clear that chemistry and timing with Amendola will be a primary focus of New England’s offseason. Of course, it should be - this relationship will need to succeed if the Pats hope to maintain their offensive proficiency... (Read more) Wed, 22 May 2013 10:22:19 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brady_and_amendola_work_on_chemistry_on_first_day_of_new_england_patriots_on_field_work/13670233 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/brady_and_amendola_work_on_chemistry_on_first_day_of_new_england_patriots_on_field_work/13670233 Brady and Amendola work on chemistry on first day of New England Patriots on field work http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/brady_and_amendola_work_on_chemistry_on_first_day_of_new_england_patriots_on_field_work/13670233 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/b/bb6eac29ddaa60494c89aa57b3af278f8ed1c504/mini/GettyImage.ashx_url_http_3a_2f_2fcache.gettyimages.com_2fxc_2f93510493.jpg_3fv_3d1_26c_3dEWSAsset_26k_3d2_26d_3d77BFBA49EF878921CC759DF4EBAC47D0B1E2399AF3EB6277C2353A9D63BB5DED9A116350E5DAB73D.jpg Jake Ballard taking part in OTAs for Patriots--PFT: The Patriots are without their two best-known tight ends during drills at this week’s set of organized team activities, but they do have one long-absent member of the position group back at work. Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com reports that Jake Ballard was on the field with his teammates during Tuesday’s practice, the first time he’s been on the practice field with media in attendance since the Patriots claimed him off of waivers from the Giants last June. Ballard tore his ACL and suffered extensive other damage to his knee in the second half of the Giants’ Super Bowl XLVI victory over the Pats. Jake Ballard is probably the most overlooked member of New England’s current roster. With Gronk rehabbing from his fourth forearm surgery and Aaron Hernandez not participating at OTAs, Ballard stands atop of the depth chart at tight end.  Don’t be surprised if you see a lot of Ballard this season. We all know Gronk and Hernandez struggle t... Wed, 22 May 2013 07:48:00 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jake_ballard_taking_part_in_otas_forpatriots_pft/13670041 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/jake_ballard_taking_part_in_otas_forpatriots_pft/13670041 Jake Ballard taking part in OTAs for Patriots--PFT http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/jake_ballard_taking_part_in_otas_forpatriots_pft/13670041 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola learned Tuesday, the second day of organized team activities,  just how talented of a quarterback Tom Brady is. Amendola and Brady worked out together this offseason in Southern California, but that doesn’t mean he’s use to catching a ball from the future Hall of Famer. Tue, 21 May 2013 21:58:44 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/amendola_brady_darted_me_in_the_chest_with_one_ball/13667305 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/amendola_brady_darted_me_in_the_chest_with_one_ball/13667305 Amendola: Brady ‘darted me in the chest with one ball’ http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/amendola_brady_darted_me_in_the_chest_with_one_ball/13667305 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/1/b1f7e30086a7aa402220584528c5226a70d07135/mini/6742086.jpg Patriots sign coveted UDFA Mark Harrison | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2013 NFL Draft: Good signing, this... Tue, 21 May 2013 20:00:36 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/patriots_sign_coveted_udfa_mark_harrison_nepatriotsdraftcom_2013_nfl_draft/13667014 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/patriots_sign_coveted_udfa_mark_harrison_nepatriotsdraftcom_2013_nfl_draft/13667014 Patriots sign coveted UDFA Mark Harrison | NEPatriotsDraft.com - 2013 NFL Draft http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/patriots_sign_coveted_udfa_mark_harrison_nepatriotsdraftcom_2013_nfl_draft/13667014 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png According to ESPN.com, Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will visit a spine specialist in three to four weeks to determine whether he’ll need to under go back surgery. He will also visit noted spine specialist Robert Watkins in California in three to four weeks to decide whether he needs back surgery, a source told Schefter. Gronkowski recently had an MRI on his back to further inspect a disk injury he sustained last season. Now that Gronk’s forearm is finally in the clear, he has to deal with a back injury.   Need NFL Tickets? The post Report: Rob Gronkowski will visit a specialist in 3-4 weeks to determine if he needs back surgery appeared first on Pro Football Zone. Tue, 21 May 2013 18:42:42 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/report_rob_gronkowski_will_visit_a_specialist_in_3_4_weeks_to_determine_if_he_needs_back_surgery/13666297 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/report_rob_gronkowski_will_visit_a_specialist_in_3_4_weeks_to_determine_if_he_needs_back_surgery/13666297 Report: Rob Gronkowski will visit a specialist in 3-4 weeks to determine if he needs back surgery http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_rob_gronkowski_will_visit_a_specialist_in_3_4_weeks_to_determine_if_he_needs_back_surgery/13666297 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/d/4db2545552d1fc12f0afa2d78818716a98ecbc4b/mini/new-england-patriots-new.jpg Former New England Patriots defensive tackle Kyle Love is happy being a Jacksonville Jaguar, but he’s not surprised he now finds himself one. "That’s how they run their business up there," Love said of the Patriots organization who dumped him last week. Tue, 21 May 2013 17:55:24 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/kyle_love_fires_back_at_patriots_thats_how_they_run_their_business_up_there/13665892 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/kyle_love_fires_back_at_patriots_thats_how_they_run_their_business_up_there/13665892 Kyle Love fires back at Patriots: ‘That’s how they run their business up there’ http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/kyle_love_fires_back_at_patriots_thats_how_they_run_their_business_up_there/13665892 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png There are plenty of new wide receivers on the field at the New England Patriots' offseason workouts. Only three of the 12 on the roster are holdovers from last year. Gone are Wes Welker, Brandon Lloyd and Deion Branch. The new group is led by Danny Amendola. After Tuesday's practice during organized team activities, Amendola said the receivers are working together to help each other learn the complex playbook. He says that's similar to the one he had with the St. Louis Rams when current Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels held that same position. But he says the Patriots' playbook is more intricate. Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater are the only Patriots wide receivers who have caught passes from New England quarterback Tom Brady. The third and final day of OTAs is Wednesday, Tue, 21 May 2013 16:35:55 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/amendola_among_9_new_receivers_on_pats_roster/13665343 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/amendola_among_9_new_receivers_on_pats_roster/13665343 Amendola among 9 new receivers on Pats roster http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/amendola_among_9_new_receivers_on_pats_roster/13665343 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/b/1/b1f7e30086a7aa402220584528c5226a70d07135/mini/6742086.jpg Although Danny Amendola and Michael Jenkins were taking the most reps at wide receiver during OTAs on Tuesday, Aaron Dobson made the play of the day. The rookie wideout made a nice catch in traffic down the sidelines as the Patriots were going through their drills without pads and at three-quarters speed. Dobson was known for making spectacular catches in college at Marshall. It seems as though that part of his game as carried over to the pros. It was tough to gather much from watching OTAs on Tuesday as the players were wearing jerseys without numbers, but Dobson, Jenkins and Amendola all looked comfortable early with Tom Brady. At cornerback, Kyle Arrington and Aqib Talib were getting the most action at the position outside. Ras-I Dowling looked healthy and smooth out on the far practice field. As long as Dowling can stay healthy, he could be a contributor on defense for the Patriots. The trouble for the Virginia product throughout his short two-year career has been injuries, thou... Tue, 21 May 2013 14:23:12 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/aaron_dobsons_nice_catch_in_traffic_down_sidelines_among_highlights_of_patriots_second_day_of_otas/13664275 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/aaron_dobsons_nice_catch_in_traffic_down_sidelines_among_highlights_of_patriots_second_day_of_otas/13664275 Aaron Dobson’s Nice Catch in Traffic Down Sidelines Among Highlights of Patriots’ Second Day of OTAs http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/aaron_dobsons_nice_catch_in_traffic_down_sidelines_among_highlights_of_patriots_second_day_of_otas/13664275 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png Why is someone like wide receiver Mark Harrison available to Patriots?--WEEI: He’s a great read published by Christopher Price explaining why Mark Harrison was available for the Pats.  At first glance, the numbers jump off the page. Wide receiver Mark Harrison was a three-year starter at Rutgers who finished his college career with 107 receptions for 1,769 yards and 18 touchdowns. A starter as a sophomore, he had 44 receptions for 829 yards and led the Big East with nine touchdowns. After struggling a bit as a junior, in 2012, Harrison played in 13 games with 11 starts, and he finished with 44 receptions for 583 yards and six touchdowns. Tue, 21 May 2013 11:22:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/why_is_someone_like_wide_receiver_mark_harrison_available_to_patriots_weei/13662805 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/why_is_someone_like_wide_receiver_mark_harrison_available_to_patriots_weei/13662805 Why is someone like wide receiver Mark Harrison available to Patriots?--WEEI http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/why_is_someone_like_wide_receiver_mark_harrison_available_to_patriots_weei/13662805 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png According to multiple reports, Rob Gronkowski's fourth surgery on his arm was a success and he could be ready for training camp. Gronkowski had surgery today at Mass General to install a new plate in his arm and to make sure there is no infection present. The tests revealed that Gronkowski is now free of the infection and can now start rehabbing his arm. If an infection was present in Gronkowski's arm, a fifth surgery was a definite possibility and that would have left Gronkowski as doubtful to start the regular season. While Gronkowski's arm may be on the mend, his back is a whole other issue. He has been dealing with "chronic" back pain for some time and he may require surgery on his back. The Patriots are hopeful that the star tight end will not need to have a surgery on his back. The team hopes that whatever is wrong with his back, he can rehab at the same time he is rehabbing his arm. Gronkowski is expected to see spine specialist Robert Watkins in Califor... Tue, 21 May 2013 00:05:39 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/gronkowskis_surgery_a_success_could_be_ready_for_camp/13660429 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/gronkowskis_surgery_a_success_could_be_ready_for_camp/13660429 Gronkowski's Surgery a Success; Could Be Ready For Camp http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/gronkowskis_surgery_a_success_could_be_ready_for_camp/13660429 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/3/a/3a2dba16f6c1aaf00714b4a5c955301b6d0e1e43/mini/new-england-patriots.jpg On February 3rd, I had completed my analysis of WR prospects in this year's draft, the player I felt was the best fit for the Patriots was Aaron Dobson.  As good as he was, I felt the Patriots would be able to wait until pick #59 to select him.The general consensus of scouts on Aaron Dobson was that he was a late second, or early third round option.  Many scouts rated the likes of troubled Da'Rick Rodgers, and the small Tavon Austin as better fits for the Patriots (or better talents period).  But if there is one thing the Patriots do not need, or tolerate well, its players with character issues.  Nor did they need another slot receiver to join the handful they already had on the roster.To other teams, such as the Falcons, Lions, and Broncos, it is understandable why Dobson would not hold a particularly high value in their draft rooms.  Those teams, and others, already had at least one solid outside threat, a deep threat, a physical and fast WR.But for the Patriots, it was a ... Mon, 20 May 2013 22:22:05 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/5_reasons_why_aaron_dobson_will_shine_as_rookie/13659745 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/5_reasons_why_aaron_dobson_will_shine_as_rookie/13659745 5 Reasons Why Aaron Dobson Will Shine As Rookie http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/5_reasons_why_aaron_dobson_will_shine_as_rookie/13659745 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png According to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, linebacker Brandon Spikes didn’t show up for organized team activities, but plans on attending the Patriots’ mini camp sessions. The OTA’s are voluntary and Spikes clearly feels like working out on his own is the best thing. The Patriots began their offseason program April 15, and the rest of the starters have been accounted for at some point along the way. It’s also common for players to come and go as they please during the voluntary portion. The third and final phase began today, and it includes four weeks of organized team activities and a mandatory minicamp, which runs June 11-13. Spikes will be in town in time for that, if not sooner.   Three OTAs (tomorrow, May 29 and June 4) will be open to the media. When practice attendance is taken and Spikes’ absence is noted, the reason is now clear.   Need NFL Tickets? The post Report: Brandon Spikes doesn’t show up for OTA’s appeared first on Pro Football Zone. Mon, 20 May 2013 14:30:18 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/report_brandon_spikes_doesnt_show_up_for_otas/13656829 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/report_brandon_spikes_doesnt_show_up_for_otas/13656829 Report: Brandon Spikes doesn’t show up for OTA’s http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/report_brandon_spikes_doesnt_show_up_for_otas/13656829 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/4/c/4ca9ec12236ae9a450f330e3f0650bc6d370f2f2/mini/6672070.jpg New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has reached the age when many players best days are behind them, but Brady told Sports Illustrated’s Peter King that he’s more confident in his ability to throw the ball now than he ever has been before.  Mon, 20 May 2013 09:17:34 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tom_brady_ive_never_felt_better_throwing_the_football/13653865 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tom_brady_ive_never_felt_better_throwing_the_football/13653865 Tom Brady's confidence sky-high http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/tom_brady_ive_never_felt_better_throwing_the_football/13653865 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/9/1/91307746e778abca81db5c1d5f1264378fa96938/mini/6963984.jpg Can New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady become even better? He certainly thinks he can be. Brady explained that even in the wake of the passing of his mentor Tom Martinez, he continues to find ways to elevate his game. Please click here to read this story The post Tom Brady on his path to get better appeared first on Players View. Mon, 20 May 2013 07:46:15 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tom_brady_on_his_journey_to_get_better/13653370 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/tom_brady_on_his_journey_to_get_better/13653370 Tom Brady on his journey to get better http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/tom_brady_on_his_journey_to_get_better/13653370 http://www.yardbarker.com/media/e/4/e468f5a1f6d7e34922424ded272f261554b6b750/mini/6837128.jpg It’s been the Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez show since 2010, the much heralded duo that came into the NFL and produced immediately. However, as offseason training activities begin, neither will be able to participate. Enter Jake Ballard, the injured tight end the Patriots plucked off waivers from the New York Giants and allegedly pissed Tom Coughlin off big time. At the time the move made little sense, but with Rob Gronkowski falling apart at the seams lately, and Aaron Hernandez’s shoulder surgery and history of injuries, Ballard looks more and more like an excellent move. It’s the reason Bill Belichick tinkers with the bottom of his roster, always searching to upgrade, even if it is a third string tight end. Coming off a knee injury suffered in the 2011 Super Bowl against the Patriots, Ballard take one step towards advancing his rehabilitation, and another on the depth chart. According to Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald, Ballard is a must watch as OTAs get und... Sun, 19 May 2013 16:31:33 -0400 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/ballard_of_circumstances_tight_end_jake_ballard_ready_to_take_center_stage_in_absence_of_young_stars/13650466 http://network.yardbarker.com/nfl/article_external/ballard_of_circumstances_tight_end_jake_ballard_ready_to_take_center_stage_in_absence_of_young_stars/13650466 Ballard of circumstances: Tight end Jake Ballard ready to take center stage in absence of young stars http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/ballard_of_circumstances_tight_end_jake_ballard_ready_to_take_center_stage_in_absence_of_young_stars/13650466 http://www.yardbarker.com/images/yb_logo_square_grey.png