SB Nation Boston - Patriots Training Camp 2012: Plaxico Burress Works Out With New England Sunday

New England Patriots Training Camp: Chandler Jones Is 'The Real Deal'

2012-08-18T13:06:39Z

New England's defense in 2012 is looking like it could be quite a bit better than years past.

ESPN Boston's Mike Reiss, essentially embedded at Pats camp, posted his observations through New England's first 18 practices -- and he thinks quite highly of first round draft pick, Chandler Jones.

Chandler Jones is the real deal. So much for the "he might need some seasoning" chatter that was so prevalent at the draft. The first-round draft choice seized the opportunity for additional reps at right defensive end when Rob Ninkovich was sidelined for a few days early in camp, and now looks like a permanent fixture there (with Ninkovich moving to the left side). While Jones has impressed on the field, he's also made an impression on his teammates off the field as a humble rookie who is willing to carry veterans' shoulder pads on his way off the field.

Reiss also notes that Steve Gregory is the projected starter along side Patrick Chung at safety, as the Patriots figure to boast a much, much better defense in 2012.

For the latest on the Patriots, check out Pats Pulpit.

New England Patriots Sign Olympic Sprinter, Ex-Florida Running Back Jeff Demps

2012-08-17T16:46:28Z

You can't teach speed, but you can sign it. And the New England Patriots have reportedly done just that, according to Ian Rapaport on Twitter.

Demps has an Olympic silver medal, so he now has a chance to add a silver Lombardi Trophy to his resume after choosing the Patriots over the Tampa Bay Buccanneers, who were reportedly also on his list. Demps was also linked to the Eagles and the Jets, where former Florida Gators teammate Tim Tebow has been a public suitor.

This gives New England a huge boost in the return game. Demps was part of the 400-meter relay team that finished second to Jamaica in London. The running back/return specialist went undrafted in April.

For the latest on the New England Patriots, be sure to check out Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston. Head over to SB Nation's NFL hub for even more NFL news. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channel for video commentary.

New England Patriots Training Camp: Bill Belichick Likes What He Sees From Donte' Stallworth

2012-08-16T01:00:08Z

The New England Patriots signed Brandon Lloyd and already have Wes Welker in-house. That said, it can never hurt to have another receiver who can make plays on the outside.

Donte' Stallworth was brought into training camp with the idea of being a serviceable piece for Tom Brady and the offense. So far, head coach Bill Belichick is pleased with Stallworth's progress, according to ESPN.com.

"I think Donte' has had a solid camp," Belichick said. "He's shown that he still has his speed. Athletic. Gets down the field well. And he's tough, he comes in and blocks. Is good with the ball in his hands. I think he's been very competitive with that group."

Stallworth, 31, was previously a member of the Patriots back in 2007, when the team went 16-0 before ultimately losing to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XLII.

In that season, Stallworth hauled in 46 receptions for 697 yards and three touchdowns.

For more on the Patriots, please be sure to check out our blog Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston for all the latest news and updates.

Jabar Gaffney Injury: Patriots WR Reportedly Leaves Practice With Hamstring Injury

2012-08-15T21:32:07Z

New England Patriots veteran wide receiver Jabar Gaffney left practice on Wednesday with what appears to be a hamstring injury. Gaffney pulled up during practice and received treatment on his right hamstring on the sidelines from the Patriots' athletic training staff. However, Gaffney did not go to the locker room after receiving treatment and there is no official word from the team on the severity of the injury.

Deion Branch, Donte Stallworth and Julian Edelman got extra reps on Wednesday due to Gaffney's injury and fewer reps by Brandon Lloyd, who was just returning to practice.

In addition to the Gaffney injury news, tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez were both back in full pads for practice on Wednesday after missing recent practice sessions. Gronkowski had missed three practices, while Hernandez missed the last two practices.

For more on the Patriots, head over to Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston.

New England Patriots Training Camp: Patriots Waive Dane Fletcher And Britt Davis

2012-08-13T22:39:54Z

The New England Patriots added a couple of open roster spots Monday when they waived/injured linebacker Dane Fletcher and wide receiver Britt Davis. Both players were injured during New England's preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints on Thursday.

Fletcher tore his ACL during Thursday's game and was expected to miss the rest of the season. He was entering his third season with New England after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He played in 10 games for the Patriots last season including five starts. During his two-year career in New England, he racked up 55 tackles and intercepted one pass.

Davis was released with an injury settlement after he suffered a shoulder injury in Thursday's game. He caught one pass for three yards in the contest. Davis played three games for the Denver Broncos in 2010 and signed to the Patriots practice squad late in 2011.

For more on the Patriots, head over to Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston.

Chad Clifton Plans Workout With Patriots, According To Report

2012-08-13T20:36:15Z

The New England Patriots might be close to adding some depth and experience along the offensive line ,as 12-year veteran Chad Clifton is heading to New England to visit the Patriots and take a physical this week, according to a report from NFL.com.

Clifton spent his entire career with the Green Bay Packers, but was released in April after he failed a physical. Clifton started six games for Green Bay last season but first tore his hamstring, then later injured his back, which caused him to miss the rest of the season.

If healthy, Clifton could provide New England with some vital insurance along the offensive line. Left tackle Nate Solder struggled in New England's first preseason game, while right tackle Sebastian Vollmer has battled ankle and back injuries. The Patriots already lost some offensive line depth when Robert Gallery abruptly retired in early August.

Clifton has played in 165 games in his career, starting 160 of those.

For more on the Patriots, visit Pats Pulpit.

New England Patriots Training Camp: Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez Sit Out Practice

2012-08-13T19:22:27Z

The New England Patriots sat both Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez for practice Monday, according to Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe. The team gave no reason for their absence. Gronkowski also sat out Sunday's light session with an "unknown ailment."

Hernandez joins Gronkowski as being out of this practice.
— Greg A. Bedard (@GregABedard) August 13, 2012

Hernandez was able to participate Sunday, and both players caught passes in Saturday's preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints. Unfortunately, Bill Belichick is still Bill Belichick, so don't count on much concrete information coming to the surface if the reason isn't a long-term issue. Considering the fact that Brandon Lloyd is out as well, there's a chance that the Pats are simply giving the players a day off. That, or New England's receiving corps has been quietly decimated.

Of course, the Patriots have no shortage of tight ends. Visanthe Shiancoe is a more than capable target if either Gronkowski or Hernandez were to miss extended time somehow.

For more on the Patriots, head over to Pats Pulpit and SB Nation Boston.

Patriots Training Camp 2012: Plaxico Burress Works Out With Patriots

2012-08-12T18:09:02Z

Plaxico Burress is reportedly working out with the New England Patriots on Sunday, per ESPN. Burress, a member of the New York Giants' 2007 Super Bowl team that upset the previously undefeated Patriots, is a 35-year-old free agent.

Burress spent 22 months in prison serving time for a gun charge in New York back in 2008 and would not return to the NFL until the 2011 season, when he played with the New York Jets. Last season, Burress played in all 16 games and recorded 612 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 45 receptions.

Before joining the Jets, Burress spent four seasons with the Giants, racking up 3,681 receiving yards and 33 scores in 57 games. Burress began his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, playing in 71 games and amassing 4,164 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns.

New England currently has ten wide receivers on its active roster.

For more Patriots Training Camp 2012 coverage, follow our stream and visit Pats Pulpit.