Roster

The Boston Globe reports new Patriots TE Alex Smith is trying to fit in with his new team. So far, he has adjusted to the new offense after coming from Tampa Bay. "It's different, but at the same time there are a lot of similarities," said Smith, who had 21 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. Smith is part of a crowded position, joining Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Chris Baker and Tyson DeVree. "We have competition at every spot, and I think it just brings the best out of everybody," said Smith. "You never want to get scared of competition, but hope that it steps your game up and makes everybody else better as well."

DL Ty Warren has been listed as probable for Week 16 against the Cardinals. Warren has not recorded a defensive stat since Nov. 9 against Buffalo.

The Boston Globe reports new Patriots TE Alex Smith is trying to fit in with his new team. So far, he has adjusted to the new offense after coming from Tampa Bay. "It's different, but at the same time there are a lot of similarities," said Smith, who had 21 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. Smith is part of a crowded position, joining Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Chris Baker and Tyson DeVree. "We have competition at every spot, and I think it just brings the best out of everybody," said Smith. "You never want to get scared of competition, but hope that it steps your game up and makes everybody else better as well."

New England K Stephen Gostkowski had quite a task kicking in Week 17's 13-0 win over the Bills on Sunday. On a crazy windy day in Buffalo, Gostkowski managed to go 2-for-3 and connected on field goals of 33 and 23 yards. That's impressive considering extra points were tough on Sunday. He also hit one of those and finished with seven points.

Patriots DB Brandon Meriweather had four tackles, a sack and a forced fumble Sunday against Arizona.

Patriots DL Richard Seymour will miss the team's final regular season game at Buffalo on Sunday because of a back injury.

The Patriots officially placed LB Adalius Thomas on Injured Reserve Friday with a broken forearm. He won't play again this season.

Forearm - Probable for the start of 2009 training camp

The Patriots re-signed starting safety James Sanders and reserve linebacker Eric Alexander on Thursday. Sanders, a fourth-round pick in 2005, has started 36 games over his first four seasons in New England. He has 198 career tackles, five interceptions and a sack. Alexander was signed as a rookie free agent in 2004. He appeared in only one game last season because of a hamstring injury. The Patriots also released linebacker Darrell Robertson, who spent part of last season on the practice squad.

The Patriots have named the inactives for their Week 8 game vs. St. Louis. Not in uniform will be: WR Matt Slater (coach's decision), DB Lewis Sanders (hamstring), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), RB Sammy Morris (coach's decision), LB Eric Alexander (hamstring) and DE Jarvis Green (ankle).

The Boston Globe reports new Patriots WR Greg Lewis is excited to be in New England and playing with QB Tom Brady. He said he is not trying to emulate former No. 3 WR Jabar Gaffney. He also said he is trying to learn the new offense. "I'm just a run-of-the-mill guy who is coming in and trying to work hard and compete for an opportunity to be on this team and [earn] a roster spot and go out and make plays," Lewis said.

The Boston Herald reports Patriots RB Fred Taylor is trying to make a good impression with his new team. Taylor took part in the OTA workout Wednesday, which was voluntary for veterans. "If I'm going to be able to play with the guys on the team, I have to volunteer to come, try and not get ahead, but not be behind, and not get yelled at too much," Taylor said. He also wants to make sure he knows the playbook. "I've been working in this business for 11 years. I want to learn the playbook so I don't have to hesitate," he said. "I don't want to feel like a rookie out here."

Wrist - Probable for start of 2009 training camp

The Boston Globe reports new Patriots TE Alex Smith is trying to fit in with his new team. So far, he has adjusted to the new offense after coming from Tampa Bay. "It's different, but at the same time there are a lot of similarities," said Smith, who had 21 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. Smith is part of a crowded position, joining Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Chris Baker and Tyson DeVree. "We have competition at every spot, and I think it just brings the best out of everybody," said Smith. "You never want to get scared of competition, but hope that it steps your game up and makes everybody else better as well."

New England RB LaMont Jordan is inactive for Week 11 against the Jets with a calf injury. The following players are also inactive for the game Thursday: QB Matt Gutierrez (3rd QB), CB Terrence Wheatley, CB Lewis Sanders, LB Eric Alexander, DL Ty Warren and LB Adalius Thomas.

Carolina announced its cuts on Saturday to trim its roster down to the necessary 53 players. Among those released were: S Terrence Holt, WR Samie Parker, WR Travis Taylor and RB LaBrandon Toefield. The players who were waived are as follows: QB Brett Basanez, RB Decori Birmingham, WR William Buchanon, S Joe Fields, FB Troy Fleming, WR Chris Hannon, DT Nick Hayden, DE Stanley McClover, LB Tim Shaw, CB Darren Toney, TE Chad Upshaw and DT Stephen Williams.

New England backup QB Kevin O'Connell came on late for Matt Cassel against Arizona and was 1-of-2 passing for minus-2 yards and three carries for minus-6 yards.

New England WR Sam Aiken had one catch for minus-2 yards Sunday against Arizona.

On Saturday, the Niners parted ways with: DT Atiyyah Ellison, LB Dennis Haley, WR Ashley Lelie, FB Moran Norris, DT LaJuan Ramsey, RB Thomas Clayton, CB Markus Curry, DT Walter Curry, WR Robert Ortiz, WR Jerard Rabb, WR Dominique Zeigler, WR Cam Colvin, TE J.J. Finley, LB Larry Grant, DE Louis Holmes and S D.J. Parker.

New England RB Sammy Morris carried 24 times for 85 yards in Week 17's win over the Bills but the Pats failed to make the playoffs regardless. Morris was the bulk of New England's offense on a windy day where passing was almost impossible.

The New England Patriots have signed linebacker Tully Banta-Cain and tight end Brad Listori, both free agents. The 28-year-old Banta-Cain played for New England for four seasons after they drafted him in 2003, including starting four of the five regular-season games in 2006. He played two seasons for San Francisco, where he had seven tackles and 19 special teams stops in 2008. The 24-year-old Lisorti was signed by Atlanta as a rookie free agent last May and waived in August. In the fall of 2008, he had two stints on the New York Jets practice squad.

The Vikings have released linebacker Vinny Ciurciu (CHUR'-choo), who was primarily a special teams player. The move was made on Tuesday. Ciurcui signed a three-year contract with Minnesota in 2006 worth up to $3 million with $500,000 guaranteed, but injuries were a problem and he didn't make a big impact on the Vikings' coverage units. Undrafted out of Boston College, Ciurcui has played seven seasons in the NFL. He was active for 14 of 16 regular-season games in 2008 for Minnesota, recording eight tackles on special teams and three on defense.

The Patriots have listed the inactives for their Week 12 game at Miami. Not in uniform will be: QB Matt Gutierrez (third QB), DB Jason Webster (coach's decision), RB LaMont Jordan (calf), DB Mike Richardson (concussion), TE Tyson DeVree (coach's decision) and LB Adalius Thomas (forearm).

The Patriots have re-signed four players, including reserve defensive lineman Mike Wright. The 27-year-old Wright became an unrestricted free agent after playing in all 16 games last season, including two starts at defensive end in place of an injured Ty Warren. In addition to Wright, the Patriots announced Monday they had reached new deals with safeties Tank Williams and Ray Ventrone. Williams signed with New England as a free agent before the 2008 season but had a season-ending knee injury in the team's first preseason game.

The Boston Globe reports Patriots rookie WR Brandon Tate, who had knee surgery in October, could start the season on the physically unable to perform list.

Knee - Doubtful for start of training camp

The Patriots signed DE Titus Adams, DB Mark Dillard, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, LB Vince Redd, DB Mike Richardson and DB Antwain Spann to their practice squad on Sunday.

The New England Patriots signed offensive lineman Dan Connolly from their practice squad on Saturday and ended linebacker Pierre Woods' season by putting him on the injured reserve list with a jaw injury. The 26-year-old Woods has played in 36 career games with three starts since being signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Michigan in May, 2006.

The Boston Globe reports that when the Patriots began working on three-receiver sets during Thursday's OTA workouts, Joey Galloway was the third man in alongside Randy Moss and Wes Welker. At one point, Greg Lewis stepped in at No. 3.

The Boston Globe reports that Pats LB Tedy Bruschi is thinking about retiring after the 2009 season. The 14-year veteran isn't sure if '09 will be his swan song. "I have to give them everything I have this year and only think about what's next. I'm going to prepare myself for this season, only think about this season, and when the season is over, which is a long ways away, then you think about delving into those decisions," Bruschi said.

The Patriots inactives for Week 16 against Arizona includes QB Matt Gutierrez (3rd), DB James Sanders, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, LB Gary Guyton and LB Tedy Bruschi.

Patriots WR Kelley Washington, WR Matt Slater and TE David Thomas failed to record a stat against the Cardinals in Week 16.

The Lions signed the following players to Reserve/Futures contracts: DL Titus Adams, LB Angelo Craig and LB Darrell Robertson

The Boston Globe reports new Patriots TE Alex Smith is trying to fit in with his new team. So far, he has adjusted to the new offense after coming from Tampa Bay. "It's different, but at the same time there are a lot of similarities," said Smith, who had 21 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. Smith is part of a crowded position, joining Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Chris Baker and Tyson DeVree. "We have competition at every spot, and I think it just brings the best out of everybody," said Smith. "You never want to get scared of competition, but hope that it steps your game up and makes everybody else better as well."

New England signed defensive back James Patrick to the practice squad on Wednesday. They cut him a week ago.

The New England Patriots have released running back Patrick Pass a week after signing him. Pass was cut Thursday, ending his bid to stick with the team he played for from 2000-2006 as a backup. He was released after the 2006 season, played one game with the New York Giants in 2007 and then dropped out of football. Pass called coach Bill Belichick last Wednesday, had a workout, and signed. He played as a running back and blocking back in his previous stint with the Patriots and started at fullback in their 2005 Super Bowl win over Philadelphia. Pass was one of only seven current Patriots who were on all three of New England's Super Bowl champion teams.

According to numerous reports, the Patriots and CB Shawn Springs have agreed to a three-year contract that will bring the veteran defender to New England and help them shore up their defensive shortcomings from 2008. Most significantly, Springs will now continue to defend against Terrell Owens, who was signed by division-rival Buffalo. Springs and Owens have a long-standing rivalry dating back to T.O.'s days with the Eagles and Cowboys and Springs with the Redskins. Springs will almost certainly be asked to defend against Owens by himself in Bills-Patriots games this season.

The Boston Globe reports that Patriots LB Tyrone McKenzie tore his right ACL when he became entangled with a running back during the club's early May minicamp and will miss the entire 2009 season. The rookie from South Florida is expected to end up on Injured Reserve.

Knee - Out for the season

Patriots WR Wes Welker finished his 2008 regular season with just two catches for 26 yards in Sunday's win over the Bills. Those two numbers were his absolute worst of the entire season. That said, the Patriots threw the ball just eight times on a very windy afternoon so it wasn't Welker's fault. New England was eliminated from playoff contention later on Sunday.

The Patriots placed rookie LB Shawn Crable on Injured Reserve and re-signed CB Jason Webster.

Cornerback Leigh Bodden agreed to a one-year contract with the Patriots on Tuesday for the veteran's minimum of $750,000. Bodden told Sirius NFL Radio he settled for the one-year deal after seeking a long-term contract because he wanted to be a Patriot. "I am just excited I finally got something done with them," Bodden said. "We just got the one-year deal done and I am excited to go play with Bill (Belichick) and the Patriots and have a great year. The Patriots always are destined to make the playoffs and hopefully I can shoot for that, make the playoffs, play good in the playoffs and hit free agency again. I'd rather not, New England is a great team and I would rather re-sign with them, and hopefully we can come to terms during the season. If not, then after the season."

The Boston Globe reports Patriots QB Tom Brady took another step in Tuesday's OTA workout. Brady threw the ball while running. The paper reports that Brady was moving well and threw the ball with good zip even though he is playing with a knee brace on. Brady also spent time working individually with WR Randy Moss. The paper said "this seemed to be a good example of how Brady and Moss sometimes make it look easy, but there is a lot of hard work they put in together to develop their impressive rapport."

According to the Providence Journal, Patriots RB Kevin Faulk is still going strong at 33 and has no plans to stop any time soon. "Of course. It's the game," he said. "I'm signed up for it. Of course I think about (retirement), but at the same time I put it in the back of my mind, because today is what I'm living for."

The Patriots have listed the following players as being inactive for Week 14 at Seattle: QB Matt Gutierrez (3rd QB), WR Kelley Washington, DL Vince Redd, LB Pierre Woods, TE David Thomas and DL Ty Warren.

The Patriots have released DB Mark Dillard from their practice squad.

Notable inactives from the Chiefs-Patriots Week 1 game include: Chiefs WR Will Franklin, WR Maurice Price, RB Kolby Smith, DL T.J. Jackson, LB Napoleon Harris and QB Tyler Thigpen. For the Patriots, QB Kevin O'Connell, TE Benjamin Watson, WR Sam Aiken, DL Le Kevin Smith and LB Shawn Crable.

The Patriots have re-signed four players, including reserve defensive lineman Mike Wright. The 27-year-old Wright became an unrestricted free agent after playing in all 16 games last season, including two starts at defensive end in place of an injured Ty Warren. In addition to Wright, the Patriots announced Monday they had reached new deals with safeties Tank Williams and Ray Ventrone. Williams signed with New England as a free agent before the 2008 season but had a season-ending knee injury in the team's first preseason game.

According to The Sports Xchange, the Patriots have made some moves to their practice squad. The team re-signed CB Antwain Spann to the practice squad and released DB Gemara Williams. The Patriots also placed TE Jason Rader on the practice squad reserve injured list.

The Boston Globe reports new Patriots TE Alex Smith is trying to fit in with his new team. So far, he has adjusted to the new offense after coming from Tampa Bay. "It's different, but at the same time there are a lot of similarities," said Smith, who had 21 catches for 250 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. Smith is part of a crowded position, joining Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Chris Baker and Tyson DeVree. "We have competition at every spot, and I think it just brings the best out of everybody," said Smith. "You never want to get scared of competition, but hope that it steps your game up and makes everybody else better as well."

Patriots coach Bill Belichick searched for enough healthy defensive backs to finish the Patriots' last game. He may have the same problem Week 9 against Peyton Manning and the Colts. Safety Rodney Harrison is out for the season, and starting cornerback Ellis Hobbs and backup Lewis Sanders were sidelined from practice Wednesday. It may be time for rookies Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite to step up against Manning, still dangerous despite a subpar season for him and Indianapolis. "Even if you're not a starter, you've still got to be ready to go," said Wheatley, a second-round draft pick from Colorado.

Vince Wilfork reported to the Patriots mandatory minicamp Wednesday because his contract requires it. He'd still like a new one. Wilfork, one of the NFL's best nose tackles, practiced on the first day of New England's three-day minicamp after skipping all 12 voluntary organized team activities in May and June. Wilfork is due $2.2 million in the final season of the contract he signed after the Patriots drafted him with the 21st pick out of Miami in 2004. He had said Monday that he wants a contract that would make him comfortable. "I signed to a six-year deal. I'm going to meet all my obligations and that's being here on mandatory stuff," he said. "I'm still a Patriot and I want to be a Patriot."

The New England Patriots have listed the following players as inactive for Week 17 at Buffalo: DB Lewis Sanders, DB Raymond Ventrone, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis and QB Matt Gutierrez (3rd QB).

NBCSports.com reports that the Patriots let QB Tom Brady practice in the rain on Tuesday. Why is that so significant? This might be the first time Brady is working on a slick surface since having surgery for a torn ACL and MCL suffered in Week 1 of last season. Brady and the Patriots must be confident in the strength of his reconstructed knee for him to be working out there three months before the start of the season.

Knee - Probable for start of training camp

The Patriots have re-signed four players, including reserve defensive lineman Mike Wright. The 27-year-old Wright became an unrestricted free agent after playing in all 16 games last season, including two starts at defensive end in place of an injured Ty Warren. In addition to Wright, the Patriots announced Monday they had reached new deals with safeties Tank Williams and Ray Ventrone. Williams signed with New England as a free agent before the 2008 season but had a season-ending knee injury in the team's first preseason game.

Patriots LB Jerod Mayo won The Associated Press 2008 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, leading the Patriots and all rookies with 128 tackles. He became the sixth straight linebacker to win the award.

According to the Providence Journal, Patriots RB Kevin Faulk said teammate Laurence Maroney can still be successful despite a down year in 2008. "L is always going to be L. He's always going to keep his head up," Faulk said about Maroney. "But we tell him, 'You can't do anything about what people say about you. All you can do is control what you can do.'"

Vinny Testaverde re-signed with the New England Patriots on Saturday for his 21st NFL season. The move was expected once the Patriots completed two-a-day practice sessions last week. The 43-year-old quarterback signed with New England last Nov. 14 and played in three regular-season games, including the finale in which he extended his streak to 20 seasons with at least one touchdown pass. The Patriots also released safety Artrell Hawkins, cornerback Gemara Williams and linebacker Kyle Bissinger.

The Boston Globe reports Patriots QB Matt Gutierrez remains eligible for the practice squad this year, which could be a factor when the Patriots are finalizing their final 53-man roster and deciding on the pros and cons of carrying a No. 3 QB.

The Boston Globe reports that the Patriots and LB Paris Lenon have agreed to terms on a contract. Lenon has spent the last three seasons with the Lions, including last year. He's best suited to play inside and has notched 80-plus tackles in each of his last two seasons. "Paris is excited to finally be a part of a winning organization and eager to contribute in whatever way Coach Belichick and his staff see fit. Now, quite simply, he's eager to go to work," agent Jon Persch said.

The New England Patriots have signed safety Brandon McGowan, who became an unrestricted free agent after four seasons with the Chicago Bears. McGowan missed most of the 2008 season with an ankle injury. He was signed by Chicago in 2005 as a rookie free agent out of Maine, and appeared in a total of 25 games with 13 starts for the Bears.

The Patriots re-signed starting safety James Sanders and reserve linebacker Eric Alexander on Thursday. Sanders, a fourth-round pick in 2005, has started 36 games over his first four seasons in New England. He has 198 career tackles, five interceptions and a sack. Alexander was signed as a rookie free agent in 2004. He appeared in only one game last season because of a hamstring injury. The Patriots also released linebacker Darrell Robertson, who spent part of last season on the practice squad.