With the status of Patriots starting left tackle Matt Light uncertain, Eric McHugh of the Patriots Ledger reports that Tom Ashworth is the likely candidate to start in Light's place with his experience at both right and left tackle positions. Ashworth had been in competition with Nick Kaczur and Brandon Gorin for the starting spot at right tackle and had appeared to have won the starting job. Michael Felger of the Boston Herald offers a report on Tom Ashworth.
Michael Felger of the Boston Herald reports that Matt Light's father Bill Light was able to shed some light on his sons injury. "He'll probably miss a preseason game or something, but other than that, it's fine," said Light.
The competition at wide receiver is heating up again with the addition this week of Andre' Davis and the return of wide receivers P.K. Sam and David Terrell from injuries. Michael Parente of the Woonsocket Call and Jerome Solomon of the Boston Globe both offer reports.
Michael Felger of the Boston Herald writes that safety Rodney Harrison's intensity and penchant for big hits on the field is a major spark for the Patriots. With Tedy Bruschi gone this season Harrison is left to set the tone which has been evident all through camp with his inspired play. Harrison has 13 tackles, three pass deflections and an interception though two games of preseason play and has continued to punish opposing players with his aggressive style. '"If guys feed off me, that's fine," Harrison said. "But I'm going to play my way and I don't change. One hundred percent every single play, every single day. That's just me. And hopefully guys, especially the young guys, feed off of it and hopefully they learn how to be a professional and bring their 'A' game every day." A similar report is also offered by Dan Pires of the Standard Times.
Paul Kenyon of the Providence Journal writes a story on how safeties Rodney Harrison and Eugene Wilson's unique set of skills compliment each other on the field. Harrison and Wilson are widely regarded as one of the best safety tandems in the league. "We work well together. Our communication has improved greatly," Harrison said of working with Wilson. "The comfort level (is there). We know how each other plays so it's a little easier to play with Eugene."
Alan Greenberg of the Hartford Courant offers a story on Patriots rookie left guard Logan Mankins. With the departure of Joe Andruzzi during the offseason Mankins had been penciled in as the starter at the position. Mankins seems to have cemented his spot as the starting left guard with his solid play over the past two preseason games. "I feel a lot more confident now than I did at the beginning of camp," Mankins said. "I'm excited for the season to start." Mark Farinella of the Sun Chronicle, Rob Bradford of the Lowell Sun also offer reports.
Chris Kennedy of The Republican reports that NFL teams must make the first set of roster cuts on Tuesday, August 30 when teams must cut down to 65 players, not including those who played in NFL Europe last spring.
Tom Curran of the Providence Journal offers his daily sports blog with Patriots notes and commentary.
