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             The Patriots and it fans were saddened to learn of the premature death of Leon Gray over the weekend. He was found in his West Roxbury home. Details of his death are not yet available but preliminary reports described Gray passing away of "natural causes."  

Gray was arguably the best offensive tackle to ever play for New England. Together with Hall-of-Famer John Hannah, the two formed one of the most effective run-blocking tandems in the history of the NFL.

Funeral information is not available at this time. Gray leaves a son, Leon, Jr.

Akbar in accident

Fifth round draft pick Hakim Akbar was involved in a car accident on Sunday night, Bill Belichick revealed in his Monday press conference.

Belichick said Akbar suffered several fractures and "will not be playing football anytime soon." The head coach said he did not have any more information on the nature of the accident at this time.

Bledsoe closer to return?

The subject of Drew Bledsoe's return to the field dominated today's press conference. Belichick refused to speculate on any timeframe but did say his involvement in practice will increase. "Until I see [how he does in practice], I just don't know," said Bledsoe of when he thought Bledsoe could return.

"I'll play the guy I think gives us the best chance to win," said Belichick while he added that until the medical staff gives clearance for Bledsoe to play, meaning being able to withstand being hit, he can't make any determination.

"It's about evaluating the situation at hand," said Belichick.

There is the possibility that Bledsoe's health will be addressed in a press conference tomorrow (Tuesday) with his medical team. No time was given. If a press conference takes place, it will be carried live on Patriots.com. Log on in the morning for any further updates.

Injury Update

Fourteen of the 18 players listed on last week's injury report played in the Bills game. Belichick said apart from the normal bumps and bruises, there were no additional injuries coming out of the game and it looked like no setbacks to the players who played at less than 100 percent.

Welcome back

Patriot great Gino Cappelletti returned to the WBCN broadcast booth in his color analyst capacity. Cappelletti had missed the past six weeks recovering from multiple bypass heart surgery. The all-time Patriots leader in points looked great and said he felt the same.

Ram tough

Belichick went out of his way to describe his admiration for the Rams offense. "It's probably the best offense I've ever seen," he said.

New England will take on St. Louis this coming Sunday night at Foxboro Stadium in an ESPN-televised game