Mike Reiss of *The Boston Globe* reports that Tedy Bruschi returned to practice yesterday with the words "Bear down" written on his cast. "Bear down" is the slogan of his alma mater, the University of Arizona.
The *Boston Herald's* John Tomase also has a feature on Bruschi's return to action.
*The Boston Globe* also explains that the arbitrator in the Deion Branch case yesterday denied the NFL's motion that the mediator had no jurisdiction in Branch's dispute with the Patriots and then informed both sides he would not be available to hear the first of Branch's two claims against the team tomorrow, as originally expected.
*The Boston Herald's* John Tomase also offers a piece on Branches grievence.
*The Boston Globe's* Mike Reiss reports that Chad Jackson is recovered from the hamstring injury that kept him out of the majority of training camp practices and all the preseason games. After testing his injured hamstring by running full-speed routes Wednesday, rookie receiver Chad Jackson called his agent and uttered: ``I'm back."
*The Boston Herald* offers stories on the returns of Jackson and Nick Kaczur. The offensive lineman has been recovering from a shoulder injury this offseason and was taken off the PUP list on Aug.22. Also included is a story on the Patriots corners.
*The Boston Globe* also offers a number of previews for the season, including predicted wins in Week 1. Follow this link for additional information on the Patriots and other teams around the league.
*The Boston Herald* reports that the Patriots players have been rather tight lipped lately. The rookies have gotten the message from the veterans that they're supposed to be seen and not heard, reports Karen Guregian.
Albert Breer reports that linebacker Tully Banta-Cain is feeling good about his improved play this season. "I'm not fully satisfied, but I think I've definitely made a step in the right direction, just getting better, improving on a day-to-day basis," Banta-Cain said. "This is the opener, this counts, so whatever I did in the preseason doesn't really count anymore. Now it's time to really get out there and execute."
Punter Josh Miller is hoping Pats fans treat rookie kicker Stephen Gostkowski fairly on Sunday when he goes on the field as Adam Vinatieri's replacement, reports the* Herald's* Karen Guregian. "I think the fans will receive him like they should with any athlete," Miller said yesterday. "If he does good, they should cheer him. If he doesn't, he'll catch that end of it. But I think he'll be fine."
*The Providence Journal's* Shalise Manza Young has a feature on Vince Wilfork's backup, Johnathan Sullivan.
Manza Young also offers *The Providence Journal's* Patriots Notebook.
*Hartford Courant* writer Alan Greenberg offers a story on Tom Brady. Brady, a glass-half-full kind of guy, is unshaken by Branch's absence reports Greenberg.
*Worcester Telegram & Gazette* writer Jennifer Toland reports that Laurence Maroney is feeling alright but not speaking before the Pats meeting with the Bills on Sunday.
*The Republican's* Howard Ulman reports that Rodney Harrison is ready to play after recovering from a knee injury sustained last September.
*The Patriot Ledger* reports on comments made by coach Belichick on coaching. "I think that being a special teams coach better prepared me for being a head coach in a lot of ways than being a defensive coordinator did," said Belichick, who coached specials from 1976 with Detroit through 1982 with the New York Giants.
Mark Farinella of *The Sun Chronicle* has a story on the Patriots secondary's preparation for Sunday's game. The Pats secondary finished 31 in pass protection last year.
Tom King of *The Telegraph* offers a team breakdown of the Pats entering the regular season.
Check out The Globe's Patriots blog, Reiss' Pieces for up-to-date info.
