Boston Globe writer Mike Reiss features veteran safety Rodney Harrison. Harrison's injured left knee was tested in a play during last Saturday's game, when he was knocked down. Harrison felt good in the days following the game, even working out on Sunday morning. He went under the knife for knee surgery only nine months ago.
The Providence Journal's Shalise Manza Young has a similar story on Harrison's return. She explains that the rest he got during rehabilitation was welcomed and needed, rejuvinating the 33-year-old veteran.
The Worcester Telegram & Gazette also offers a story on Harrison in it's Patriots Notebook.
Reiss also reports that some of the starters are looking past the team's final preseason game toward the season opener. The Boston Globe reports that Tom Brady didn't attend practice yesterday, but that Marquise Hill, who has been out, returned yesterday.
The Boston Herald's Michael Felger offers a story on the Patriots defense, which is finally gelling. Included are remarks from Harrison and linebacker Rosevelt Colvin.
Felger also offers the *Boston Herald's* Patriots Notebook, which includes information on the narrowing market for receivers - Branch can still shop around until Sept. 1.
The Providence Journal's Shalise Manza Young explains that if, in fact the Patriots are going to China in the 2007 preseason, a few players are less than extatic about the trip.
*The Providence Journal* also has a feature on running back Patrick Cobbs. Cobbs has gained a team-high 143 yards on 26 carries (5.5 yards per carry) in the Pats' three exhibition games, and had two touchdowns against the Redskins.
Hartford Courant writer Alan Greenberg has a similar story about Cobbs. When the Patriots belatedly invited him to minicamp, unlike most of the players there, Cobbs didn't even have a contract. Before flying Cobbs in from his native Shawnee, Okla., the Patriots warned him that it was just a tryout. "They told me I was coming in for the weekend," Cobbs said. "I thought I was leaving on Sunday. But they kept me here, and I've been here ever since."
*The Worcester Telegram & Gazette's *Rich Garven offers a feature on wideout Kelvin Kight. Kight spent the past two seasons running a series of stop-and-go routes. The wide receiver stopped in St. Louis and was soon on the go. The frustrating pattern repeated itself in Green Bay, Jacksonville and Minnesota.
Eric McHugh of The Patriot Ledger reports on the Patriots unbridled success in the preseason and ponders how such early success will play out as the regular season is set to open.
Glen Farley, of The Enterprise, has a feature on center Dan Koppen, who played in his first game of the season on Saturday. Koppen suffered a shoulder injury in Miami last November.
Sun Chronicle staff writer Mark Farinella offers a feature on linebacker Tully Banta-Cain.
Michael Parente, of the Woonsocket Callhas a story on impending roster cuts. The team must be wittled down to 75 players by Wednesday afternoon.
Don't forget to check The Globe's Patriots blog, Reiss' Pieces. Also, Mike Reiss will be online at noon today to discuss the Patriots.
