New England Patriots Links 9/02/14 - Return of Gronk Counters Loss of Mankins

TEAM TALK

• Erik Scalavino shares his locker room notes from Monday at Gillette: Sebastian Vollmer says he'll play wherever the coach wants him.
• Paul Perillo notes that DL Sealver Siliga says he's ready for the season opener, coming off an injury to his wrist.
• The New England Patriots announced 10 players have been signed to the practice squad, including Josh Boyce, Jonas Gray, and Jake Bequette.
• Press Pass - Patriots eager for start of the regular season. (2.39 min. video)
• Patriots Today - Rob Gronkowski's progress gets even better. (3.33 min. video)
• Locker Room Uncut - Rob Gronkowski: "I'm good to go!" (8.45 min. video)

LOCAL LINKS

• Mike Reiss helps us get to know the 2014 Miami Dolphins and which players to keep an eye on, on both sides of the ball.
• Christopher Price tells us five things we have to know about the Dolphins.
• Karen Guregian reports the news of Rob Gronkowski being ready to go for Week One is a bonus for the offense.
• Mike Reiss thinks Gronkowski's return means everything to the Patriots offense.
• The AP reports Rob Gronkowski promises to play in Sunday's season opener.
• Adam Kaufman looks at the realistic expectations for Gronk in 2014.
• Adam Kurkjian learns this is the first time in his career that Sealver Siliga survived cut-down day andmade the team for the season opener.
• Jim Donaldson says the Patriots can win it all, if ...
• Hector Longo believes that if the Patriots can protect Tom Brady, they can win a title.
• Tim Benz points out that history suggests the loss of Logan Mankins shouldn't devastate the Patriots.
• Erik Frenz notes the Ryan Mallett trade puts the spotlight on Jimmy Garoppolo as the Patriots' future QB.
• Glen Farley Patriots Notebook: TE Tim Wright's first NFL reception was made against the Patriots as a member of the Bucs last year; Josh Boyce was a bit surprised to be released by the team Saturday, "It caught me off guard a little bit, but it's all right now."
• Karen Guregian Patriots Notebook: Jimmy Garoppolo is embracing the role as sole backup to Brady; Rob Ninkovich is prepared to play long-snapper if newly-signed LS Charley Hughlett is not on the 53-man roster; It will be interesting to see how OL coach Dave DeGuglielmo handles the Dolphins formidable pass rush; Tim Wright has had four offensive coordinators in the last three years; Josh Boyce knows he has to be more consistent.
• Mike Reiss reports the patriots claimed safety Don Jones on waivers from the Miami Dolphins and waived OL Chris Barker.
• Mike Reiss thumbnails the ten players currently on the Patriots practice squad.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Mike Wilkening (ProFootballTalk) Patriots awarded safety Don Jones on waivers from Miami.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Rob Gronkowski says he's a go for Week One.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Gronkowski's announcement a little confusing.
• Chris Burke (SI) Cover-Two: Predicting order of finish in each and every division.
• Experts (SI) Best team to miss playoffs, more burning questions for NFL season.
• Peter King (The MMQB) Trying to put the instant back in replay.
• Bucky Brooks (NFL.com) Colts, Saints, Chargers boast NFL's top quarterback situations.  /Pats sixth?