Shalise Manza Young reports a rehabbing Kevin Faulk estimates that his right knee is at 70 to 75 percent and said he's taking his recovery one stage at a time.
Faulk and Patriots receivers coach Chad O'Shea visited cardiac patients at Brigham & Women's hospital, including one very knowledgeable fan, Mark.
Speaking this afternoon, Faulk said his knee -- he tore his ACL against the Jets in September -- is "coming along; it's stages and we're in the next stage. It's getting better each and every day."
Faulk said his biggest concern has been not taking steps backward after he's made so much progress.
"I'm a running back; I want to run," he said.
Mike Reiss recaps a Patriots podcast with Tedy Bruschi, posted on ESPNBoston. Bruschi talks about the need for a big-play receiver on the outside of the field.
"I think the Patriots do need an outside receiver, for that immediate success that I'm talking about," Bruschi says. "It's only about the Super Bowls right now. We talked about Tom Brady and getting him the best possible team so he can lead that team to another championship. Do you want to wait on these young guys to develop, with the chance of them not developing? Or go out and get somebody?
"I think you should go out and get somebody. I'd love to see Sidney Rice in a New England Patriots uniform [once free agency officially starts]."
"I know Coach Belichick really feels strongly about Steve Smith. He likes him a lot," Bruschi says. "Trading a second-round pick -- possibly. My theory on the draft is that you really can't use all those picks. You have to trade some away, because if you use all those picks, now you're becoming too young."
Ian Rapoport reports the legal guardian for Brandon Meriweather has heard the allegations and says, "It's not true."
"I’m sure the attorneys will handle whatever needs to be handled," said Bridges, who Meriweather calls, Pops. "‘Everything will come out if there’s anything to come out. But statements have been given by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department that Brandon Meriweather is not a victim, nor a person of interest in any shooting."
I asked Bridges, who raised Meriweather with his wife, Mary, if he was worried about the allegations. "No, not at all," he said. "I’m only worried to a point where this type of publicity has the potential to damage his career. That’s the only thing that bothers me. But as far as any allegations of wrongdoing or any involvement in wrongdoing, I’m not worried about that. I know it’s not true."
Bridges indicated the family is considering their legal options. I asked if there is any recourse and Bridges replied quickly.
"Defamation of Character," he said. "I’m sure the attorneys are trying to figure out where it’s coming from. The appropriate course of action will be taken."
TEAM TALK
- The New England Patriots have issued a statement on the reported allegation regarding safety Brandon Meriweather: "We are aware of the reported allegation, but do not have any additional information."
- Patriots Today - Faulk talks rehab, next season. (2.07 min. video)
LOCAL LINKS
- Ian Rapoport addresses rumors (Deadspin.com) that links Brandon Meriweather to a shooting. Police don't have any record of Meriweather being connected to any crime.
- Christopher Price reports that an Orange County Sherriff's Dept. spokesman told WEEI that Brandon Meriweather is not currently part of any investigation.
- Tom E. Curran reports the attorney for two men who were shot two weeks ago says he's unsure Brandon Meriweather was the shooter, as the victims allege.
- Christopher Price wonders if more college captains could be on the Patriots' radar in this year's draft.
- Tom E. Curran sizes up the roster at the wide receiver position and evaluates the free agents available around the league.
- Mike Reiss reports Bill Belichick is present at the University of Miami Pro Day today.
- Christopher Price reports DE Corbin Bryant (Northwestern) will work out for the Patriots. Includes 5 min. Pro Day video.
- Mike Reiss analyzes Mel Kiper's latest mock draft (Insider content), with some changes for the Patriots. Patriots select DE/OLB Ryan Kerrigan (Purdue) at 17 and WR Leonard Hankerson (Miami) at 28.
- Jeff Howe says that according to an NFL player rep, a new CBA is unlikely to be reached by Friday's deadline.
- Ron Borges discusses the transparency issue in the labor negotiations and what information the NFLPA wants from the owners. "In other words [the union] wants to know how much the 443 members of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones’ family are being paid and how many team "expenses’’ are unrelated to the team or expenses of football."
- AP Source: NFL's profitability data offer rejected.
- AP Money matters: NFL, union wrangle publicly on CBA.
NATIONAL NEWS
- Sam Farmer (LA Times) In NFL labor fight, a books review means a lot. NFL PA seeks more financial information; owners say they've already shared more than ever.
- Jim Trotter (SI) NFLPA leader: 18-game schedule off the table in CBA negotiations.
- Jason Cole (Yahoo! Sports) Agreement reached on rookie scale.
- Andrew Brandt (Nat'l Football Post) Show us (more of) your books! CBA requires it, NFLPA wants more.
- Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Money still key factor in NFL labor talks.
- Jason Cole (Yahoo! Sports) 'Can't wait' for labor dispute to hit courts.
- Mike Tanier (NBC Sports) NFL wants its linemen big, but not tall.
- Wes Bunting (Nat'l Football Post) Defensive linemen fight night.
- Don Banks (SI) 2011 NFL Mock Draft 3.0. Patriots pick DE J.J. Watt (Wisconsin) at 17 and G/C Mike Pouncey (Florida) at 28.
- Tim Graham (ESPN) You can't argue with Mel Kiper; Or can you?
- Fox Sports 2011 NFL draft analysis and mocks.
- Tony Pauline (SI) Pro Day Tracker.
- Clark Judge (CBS Sports) What's behind Tiki's long-shot comeback? Pay day.
- Elliot Harrison (NFL.com) Five of the most peculiar comebacks in NFL history.
- PTI (ESPN) Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon weigh in on the recent photos and video of Tom Brady from Brazil that have generated some chatter. (47 second video)