The Roster Shuffle Continues

Trying to keep up with the Patriots roster changes this week has been nothing short of a full-time gig.  Though the Patriots continue to bring players in and let others go, the end result is that the team is finagling the bottom end of the roster.

The Patriots announced four roster moves Thursday.  The team signed tight end Stephen Spach to the active roster and added punter Reggie Hodges to the practice squad. To make room, the team released tight end Jason Pociask from the active roster and tight end Tyson DeVree from the practice squad.

Stephen Spach is back, while former Jets tight end Jason Pociask was released.  Spach made it through the final round of roster cuts only to be released in favor of Pociask on September 12, 2008.  The Patriots took just 3 days to realize why the Jets cut Pociask over the weekend.

 New England was fortunate to recall Spach before someone else signed him.  They were not so fortunate with former Patriot Jonathan Stupar who signed on with the Buffalo Bills earlier this week after being released by the Patriots. 

Practicing Or Not?

Tom Brady is at practice, but he’s injured.  Wait… nope… he’s ok, he can still walk on it.  Wait, he has a broken foot and will miss 2-4 weeks.  Wait… he’s back at practice and off the injury report.

Do you get the feeling that some of the reports on Brady’s foot injury may be overblown?

You’re not alone.

Brady was removed for Thursday’s participation / injury report after starting off the week with a foot and shoulder injury.  If he’s healthy it’s a positive sign for a team in need of a boost to their offense. 

Other players not visible for the start of practice according to reports are: Sam Aiken (knee), Dan Connolly (knee), Stephen Gostkoski (not specified),  Le Kevin Smith (knee), Benjamin Watson (knee)

Protection Improving

Remember the commercial the 5 layers of protection?

In another bit of good news, offensive lineman Russ Hochstein’s health is improving.  Hochstein was listed as fully participating in team practice despite a groin injury.  Hochstein is the Patriots primary backup along the interior line.  With Stephen Neal out for at least 6 weeks on the PUP list, if Hochstein can’t play the job falls to Billy Yates.

Are you Ready For The Season?

A friend of mine called to ask if I was ready for the season.  Ready?  I’ve been working on this season since February when I covered the combine for a couple of magazine outlets.  “February?” He acted astounded. Yes, it’s the life of an NFL writer; we work – as my family can attest to – all year long just like everyone else.

I realized the nature of the question was more about the start of the 2008 NFL Season, and not just the NFL off-season shuffle.  So with that in mind, I gave him the response he was looking for,  “can’t wait!”

Part of the waiting is getting asked my opinion. Sure, you get to read my current thoughts in this blog, but loads of other listeners, including many friends and family had no idea what I did for a living until they heard this. 

Listen to the Audio  (LINK)

“Hey I heard you on the radio.  Yes.  Yes you did.  And YES! I’m ready for some football.

If you didn’t get enough football in that listen, I was on KC Radio, and a podcast as well previewing the Chiefs game.  Check the blog this weekend for that link.

Something else to get you ready for some football

NSFW (Not Safe For Work) Language

Wow, that was fast.   A friend already replied.

Be sure to watch the pictures and listen carefully to the words. "Very poignant" was his note.
True Dat on the T.O. images. I am a huge fan of the Patriots references in this piece.