Projo Pats Blog

November 2006 Archives

Hey all --

Rookie Chad Jackson is back on the New England injury report, now listed as questionable for Sunday's game with Detroit with a groin injury suffered in practice today. You'll recall that the second-round pick struggled with a hamstring injury during training camp and the early part of the season.

Tom Brady and Richard Seymour reportedly did not miss any pracitce time today, while Jackson, Daniel Graham, Ellis Hobbs, Corey Mays, Ryan O'Callaghan, Chad Scott and Eugene Wilson -- all listed as questionable -- did miss at least a portion.

The Lions placed tackle Rex Tucker (knee) on injured reserve, ending his season; he was on Wednesday's report as questionable. Tyoka Jackson (foot), listed as probable yesterday, was removed altogether today.

Hey all --

Just in from practice... once again Eugene Wilson, Ryan O'Callaghan and Rodney Harrison were the only players not spotted on the field for the media access portion, which today was stretcing only for print media.

The players were in sweatpants/shorts.

shalise

Hey all --

We're waiting for practice to begin and the chance to enjoy this crazy weather (This is in all seriousness: does anyone know why the weather is like this right now? global warming?).

As with every Thursday, today is third-down day for the Patriots, and Bill Belichick once again noted Detroit's fearlessness on third-down, particularly third-and-long situations.

"There's no down and distance that you can feel safe with (Jon) Kitna and those receivers," he said.

As for the quarterbacks wearing white jerseys at practice yesterday and not the customary red no-contact jersey, Belichick said "they asked about it; I don't care. It's fine."

Backup QB Matt Cassel said Tom Brady was the one to ask about the color change, but it's likely part of Brady's desire not to seem like he is separate or different than any of the other players on the team.

Belichick said it wasn't time to think about whether Junior Seau will retire for good due to his broken arm, and said that Seau isn't with the team right now and cryptically added "he's doing some things with his arm."

It's safe to assume he's had surgery as it looked like quite a bad break.

The coach also talked at length about his days in Detroit, as part of a larger statement on how much he learned in his first three years of coaching, being with two different teams (Baltimore and Detroit), working under three different head coaches, and getting experience coaching on both sides of the ball as well as special teams.

shalise

By now, you may or may not have heard of the Tom Brady "tribute" video on YouTube. We just watched it for the first time and were shrieking in horror throughout. Someone -- Bradyfan83 -- compiled a cache of images of the QB, both on the field and off, and re-wrote the lyrics to Kenny Rogers' ballad "Lady", instead using "Brady."

To be honest, it's almost disturbing; if I were Brady, I think I'd hire some extra security...

In case you're curious, here's the link:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9ufwukWgKfI

UPDATE: According to the Boston Herald's "Track Girls," Bradyfan83 is a Texas attorney and father of two who said the song is "a little bit of a satire on the adoration of athletes. And a little bit on the homoeroticism in sports. It works on many levels."

The man also made a song about Randy Moss set to Barry Manilow's "Mandy" called -- "Randy."

I don't know about you, but I wouldn't let this man represent me. Ever. He's so busy making creepy videos he wouldn't have time to research my case...

shalise

From the Patriots:

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - The results of the second annual Sports Business Journal / Sports Business Daily Reader Survey are in, and Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft has been named “most effective owner” for the second consecutive year.

Kraft received the distinction after earning 40.9 percent of the total votes in the category, a year after being named “most effective owner” in the first SBJ/SBD poll, coming off two consecutive Patriots Super Bowl victories. This year’s second place finisher, Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, received 10.2 percent of the votes. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones finished third with 8.9 percent of the votes.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, named the “NFL’s most marketable player” in the survey last year, finished second in that category this year, behind Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning.

Sports Business Journal published the survey results in their November 27 issue, which reached news stands this week.

The first injury report of week 12 has been released.

For the Patriots:
Out: S Rodney Harrison (shoulder), LB Junior Seau (arm -- placed on injured reserve)

Questionable: TE Daniel Graham (ankle), CB Ellis Hobbs (wrist), LB Corey Mays (hamstring), DB Chad Scott (groin), S Eugene Wilson (hamstring), T Ryan O'Callaghan (neck).

Probable: DL Richard Seymour (elbow), QB Tom Brady (right shoulder).

All but Seymour and Brady were reported to have missed at least a portion of practice.

CB Asante Samuel and TE David Thomas, both questionable last week, are off the list this week.

For the Lions:
Questionable:WR Devale Ellis (shoulder), DT Shaun Rogers (knee), T Rex Tucker (knee).

Probable: WR Corey Bradford (illness), DT Tyoka Jackson (foot)

All but Ellis were reported to have missed a portion of practice.

shalise

Patriots' corner Asante Samuel has been named the AFC's defensive player of the week for his three-interception performance against Chicago on Sunday. It is the first time in his four-year career that Samuel has received that honor. Samuel's effort was the first time in 23 years that a New England player had three picks in a regular-season game and it was just the second time this season that an NFL player has had an interception hat trick.

Colts rookie running back Joseph Addai (24 carries, 171 yards, 4 TDs) was the offensive player of the week and Bills receiver/returner Roscoe Parrish (82-yard punt return for a rouchdown) was the special teams player of the week.

Hey all --

As the Patriots held their first practice of the week, there were three players not spotted on the field during the media access portion of practice, which today included stretching and some group drills: defensive back Eugene Wilson, right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan and safety Rodney Harrison.

Players were in full pads for the practice, held inside Gillette Stadium.

Practice-squad recevier Bam Childress was wearing the black jersey signifying that he was the practice player of the week for last week.

Rookie Chad Jackson was wearing a green number 11 jersey over his own, so he's likely emulating Detroit wideout Roy Williams for the defense this week.

Curiously, the quarterbacks were all in white jerseys and not the usual red. We're trying to get an answer on that one.

shalise

Hey all --

It's been a busy Wednesday here at Gillette, as they nearly always are, due to Tom Brady's weekly press conference and conferece calls with that week's opposing coach and a player.

Bill Belichick's respect for Detroit offensive coordinator Mike Martz was on full display this morning, as the coach said the Lions run "every personnel group there is (on offense). Down and distance, most teams you can play down and distance tendencies, but third-and-18 doesn't bother them. I shudder at third-and-18. They keep you off-balance and they never run the same play twice."

With Tully Banta-Cain presumed to move into the starting linebacker rotation due to the Junior Seau injury, Belichick was asked who will now fill Banta-Cain's old role and rotate into the four-man group. The coach said that will be a game-time, week-to-week decision.

Belichick spoke about Kevin Faulk, who is normally under-the-radar but has been forced into the spotlight this week after breaking the franchise record for receptions by a running back.

Faulk "has a great attitude, he's prepared, a smart kid," Belichick said, adding that he has worked hard to fix the fumbling problem he had a few years ago. "Kevin works hard on anything you ask him to work on. He's a great kid to coach and sets a great example for all of us. He's very unselfish, works hard, and you can count on him to do his best in whatever role we give him."

In the locker room, the usual suspects -- Mike Vrabel, Dan Koppen, Rosevelt Colvin and Matt Light -- all drew hordes of media to their stalls.

shalise

It sounds like some sort of weird love triangle -- kicker Martin Gramatica, who spent most of training camp this year with the Patriots and then was signed by the Colts when former Pats' kicker Adam Vinatieri missed a few games with a groin injury, is now a member of the Dallas Cowboys, who of course are coached by former New England coach Bill Parcells. Gramatica was signed today to replace Mike Vanderjagt, who used to kick for the Colts before the Colts signed Vinatieri and was axed by Dallas today.

Got all that?

In a nutshell, Vanderjagt, the most accurate kicker in NFL history, who once hit 42 straight field goals, a streak that was broken against (who else?) New England, was just 13 of 18 on field goals for the Cowboys this season.

Not really Pats news, but interesting to us, and thought it might be to you too.

shalise

Hey all --

As reported just a while ago, the Patriots have placed Junior Seau on injured reserve with what is believed to be a broken right arm, ending his season.

Seau was hurt in the second quarter of yesterday's game with the Bears, making his first tackle of the night, dropping Chicago running back Cedric Benson for no gain on second down.

Bill Belichick obviously isn't glad to see any of his players get hurt, but since bringing Seau to New England just days after the veteran linebacker announced his "graduation", the coach has made no secret of his feelings for the potential Hall of Fame linebacker.

"Junior was real good," Belichick said when asked about Seau's performance this season. "Ironically, he gave an emotional speech before the game. He was always here early, stayed late, wanted to be in for every play. I really enjoyed coaching him; he's fun to coach, loves football. Unfortunately his season ended last night."

It is not known whether the injury will force the 37-year old Seau into retirement. He recorded 70 tackles through 10-plus games this year.

Belichick fielded several questions about the state of the defense without Seau. Tully Banta-Cain is expected to become a starter, but there's not a lot of experience behind him in likely candidates Eric Alexander, Corey Mays and Pierre Woods. It's also possible that the Patriots could play more of a 4-3 than their usual 3-4 since they're down one man in their linebacker rotation.

The coach had a bit more fun with Tom Brady's shake-and-bake of Brian Urlacher, saying, "He put his best move on him, maybe his only move."

The players have been given the day off today, so we won't be able to give you any day-after reaction from them.

shalise

The Patriots just announced that they have placed Junior Seau on injured reserve, ending his season.

More in a bit...

shalise

Artrell Hawkins
On the Bears' passing game and the pass interference penalties against the Pats:
It was throw the ball up and either they're going to make a play on the ball or hopefully they're going to get a pass interference call. Two bad pass interference penalties by myself and Ellis Hobbs. At that point in the game, we have to have better discipline and play the ball in the air because it really swings field position. I'm not ragging on the rules, but the rules don't really go in favor of defensive backs. You can't cut their progression off and you can't touch them after five yards. It's a good play -- if you're an offensive coordinator or a quarterback, just throw it up. It was underthrown, but the rules are the rules. They called it and it was a big swing of field position. Fortunately for me, the offense came out and they answered the bell.

Heath Evans
On Tom Brady's 11-yard fourth quarter scramble
He's the best quarterback in football, but he is not the most gifted runner. He's a great player, bottom line.

Dan Koppen
On Chicago's defensive line
They get the hype because they deserve it. They are a good front and I don't think we took anything extra this week and we just tried to go out to practice and get better and execute our game plan to the best of our abilities no matter if we were running or passing the ball.

On Brady's run
He made that move seven yards away from Urlacher and I don't know how he got around him, but bless him he did and got the first down.

Some quotes from Brady after New England's 17-13 win, his 24th win in 28 career games decided by six points or less...

On his deke on Brian Urlacher:
I know. I would have never have thought I would, either. It must be the turf. I don’t think that would have happened a few weeks ago. That was pretty cool. At least I can tell my kids one day that I shook Brian Urlacher. They probably won’t believe me.

On what he said to Urlacher after the play:
We were laughing about it. He said, “Man, you made me look bad”. I said, “You make the whole team look bad”. He is a great player. That team can really bring it. The way they attack the football is pretty impressive. I wish we would have taken better care of the ball today. It is a great win for are team. They were 9-1. We really needed that one.

On what he said to the offense with the game tied:
I knew we were going to need a good drive. I said, “Guys, whatever happens, we are going to need a good drive. Whether it is a 2-minute offense or a 4-minute offense, we have to put together a good drive.” We made a few good plays and probably a few mistakes, too. But, Asante [Samuel] really picked our team up with those three picks. The one at the end was just an awesome play, so it was great to see.

On Benjamin Watson, who apologized for the first-quarter play that led to an interception:
Well, no one is trying to make mistakes out there and we all do it. Part of being a team is you have to pick the other guys up. Those guys pick me up a lot and when they are making great catches for me it kind of helps my confidence. I am always going to go back to Ben. Ben has proven what he can do out there as a threat for our offense. I am sure everyone is going to have a sleepless night tonight because everyone wishes they would have done some things better, but Ben really came back and made some great plays.

On Kevin Faulk:
He is a great player. He has great quickness. He has great vision out there and probably the best hands on the team. He and Troy Brown probably have the best hands on the team. He makes everybody miss as a running back. He is tough, he is a great leader and so dependable and consistent. He is awesome. He is what this team is built on, guys like that.

shalise

Here's some of Bill Belichick's postgame press conference:

Opening statement
Well, that isn’t exactly the way you draw them up, but we’re happy with the win. The Bears are a good football team. It’s good to come out on top. I'm sure neither team feels like they played their best football today. Still, all that being said, fortunately we were able to make a couple more plays than they did and that’s why we won. There were plenty of mistakes to go around out there, all the way around, every phase of the game for both teams. We had some guys step up and make some big plays at the right time. That’s what ended up being the difference in the game. [There are] a lot of things we have to work on, a lot of things we need to work on. That’s what we’ll do this week and get back to work on.

On Asante Samuel's three interception effort
He made three big plays. He made three big plays and missed one. He has good hands, plays the ball well. He’s an instinctive guy.

On Kevin Faulk, who set the franchise record for receptions by a running back today:
I think Kevin is good in all areas of the passing game. He’s quick. He understands coverages – man and zone, kind of knows where the open spots are. He has good hands. He knows how to set defenders up. He knows how to find open spaces and does a good job of beating man coverage. He’s a good screen back. He’s good getting loose in the open field and loose plays with the ball in his hands. We like to see him get it in those situations.

We'll be back with more in a bit

shalise

Tedy Bruschi made like Rod Tidwell there. Bruschi went down on that third-down play, and the crowd began chanting TED-Y! TED-Y! Bruschi popped up off the turf like the character in "Jerry Maguire," which drew the "Bruuuuuuuu" cheer.

AP photo / Stephan Savoia
Tedy Bruschi gives Junior Seau a pat on the head as Seau receives attention from the Patriots' medical staff.

To no one's surprise, the Patriots just announced that linebacker Junior Seau and offensive lineman Ryan O'Callaghan will not return to the game. Seau, who was led off the field with a compression cast on his wrist, could be lost for a considerably longer period of time than the rest of this game.

Worth noting from the first half:

-- The Bears had drives of 67 and 77 yards, and failed to score on either. The first ended with a blocked field goal, the second with a fumble.

-- Chicago had 218 total net yards to 176 for New England, yet managed only three points.

-- Tom Brady completed 13 passes to seven different receivers.

-- Bernard Berrian caught 5 passes for 104 yards for the Bears.

-- Asante Samuel was the leading tackler for the Patriots, with six.

-- The end-of-half irony -- the Bears calling a last-millisecond timeout that not only negated a missed field goal by Stephen Gostkowski, but gave Gostkowski a second chance at the 52-yarder that he subsequently made -- was lost on no one.

-- Samuel now has four interceptions for the season, a career high.

-- Richard Seymour blocked the field-goal attempt by Robbie Gould in the first quarter, the fifth regular-season block of his career and the sixth overall.

-- The 10-play, 92-yard drive that resulted in the Pats' touchdown was the second-longest by New England this year, topped only by a 12-play, 93-yarder in the season opener against Buffalo at Gillette Stadium on Sept. 10.

Patriots offensive lineman Ryan O'Callaghan has suffered a neck injury. While he was able to walk off the field, his return, according to the press-box announcement, is questionable.

RB/FB/special teamer Patrick Pass is officially back in the mix. After New England opened its three-week window for Pass on Nov. 8 and had until this coming Tuesday to either place him on the active 53-man roster or on injured reserve.

There was no counter move, as the Pats had only 52 men on the roster after placing Josh Miller on injured reserve on Friday.

The Patriots' inactives for today's game are:

DB Eugene Wilson
DB Chad Scott
S Rodney Harrison
LB Corey Mays
T Wesley Britt
DL Le Kevin Smith
DL Marquise Hill

Vinny Testaverde is the third quarterback.

The Bears' inactives:

WR Justin Gage
CB Dante Wesley
DB Andre Lott
FB J.D. Runnels
LB Darrell McClover
C/G Anthony Oakley
DT Antonio Garay

The third quarterback is Kyle Orton.

-- Art Martone

. . . and plenty of action in the Gillette Stadium parking lot, as the FOX studio crew -- I recognized Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson -- set up shop in front of hundreds of early arriving fans. They did several halftime reports, feeding a different show to each market, and the fans waved and bellowed for the cameras each time they were prompted. It helped that they could see themselves on a giant plasma screen set up next to the set.

-- Art Martone

Hey all --

Is it really November 26? It is an absolutely gorgeous day today, and as a result, Route 1 was thick with fans trying to get here as early as possible and enjoy the day.

Obviously, we made it through the throng and are in our seat in the press box. Lonie Paxton is the lone player out on the field right now.

And what a field it is. I promise this will be my one and only reference to the FieldTurf today (online anyway), but after seeing the colossal mess that was the natural grass here over the last couple of years, to look down and see a perfect expanse of green is a wonder. Here's hoping the Krafts do something to thank the men who not only got the job done, they got it done four days ahead of schedule.

Think about that -- nearly every FieldTurf installation previous took at least a month, and the team from RAD Sports and Northeast Turf had it done in seven days.

We're off to get some pre-game work done (and, we confess, some lunch) and will be back in a bit.

shalise

Hey all --

The flex scheduling didn't just affect the start time of tomorrow's game (it's now 4:15 p.m.), it also affected the network it will be broadcast on (it's now on FOX).

What does that mean for you? Well, FOX is taking its pregame show on the road, and it will be in Foxboro tomorrow. Beginning at noon, Joe Buck, Terry Bradshaw, Howie Long and Jimmy Johnson will be on-set in the Mustang Lot at Gillette Stadium, which abuts Route 1 on the northwest corner of the stadium.

The four hosts will be signing autographs, audience members will have a chance to be on television, as well as get goodies like t-shirts and hats.

shalise

Hey all --

There was one addition to the Pats' injury list -- Kevin Faulk has been added and listed as questionable with the flu, which explains his absence at practice earlier today.

After upgrading one player and taking another off an already short list yesterday, Chicago reported no injuries today.

And as expected, CB Antwain Spann, cut yesterday to make room for Ken Walter on the 53-man roster, was re-signed to the team's practice squad. But with Josh Miller placed on injured reserve today, there is an open spot on the 53-man, so Spann's stay on the practice squad may be short again...

We'll be back Sunday.

shalise

Hey all --

The locker room wasn't quite as rambunctous as it sometimes is on a Friday, but it was fairly upbeat nonetheless.

Ken Walter was back in front of the Boston media, and said he was a bit caught off-guard by New England's call.

"It was a surprise. I would be stupid to say it didn't catch me on my heels a little bit. I worked out for two other teams (Houston and Carolina) last week and I did well," he said. "I provide a service and it's an awesome, awesome environment around here -- players, coaches, staff, everyone works around here."

Rosevelt Colvin also drew media attention, as he generally does.

For those who are interested, Reche Caldwell is the subject of this week's Who I Am.

We'll be back if there are any changes to the injury report, and then we'll be talking to you again around 1 p.m. Sunday to get you ready for Pats-Bears.

shalise

Just in from practice, where as we said, the Patriots were once again inside Gillette Stadium.

Rodney Harrison and Kevin Faulk were the only players not spotted during the media-access portion, which today was just stretching.

Corey Dillon was not wearing the red no-contact jersey he wore on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The players were in shells and sweatpants/shorts.

shalise

Hey all --

First off, hope everyone had a safe & enjoyable Thanksgiving.

Bill Belichick just wrapped up his final press conference of the week, and talked quite a bit about Josh Miller and Ken Walter.

About Miller, who was placed on injured reserve with a shoulder injury today, Belichick said, "We're obviously disappointed for him and all of us. He's very professional and worked hard."

"That being said, Kenny has a lot of experience with us, and (bringing him back to the team) was as much about holding as punting. He has experience, he's been in big games."

Miller, who had been extremely consistent in his first two-plus seasons, was noticably off in recent weeks, though no moreso than against Green Bay. Belichick said the injury was really flaring up during that game, and it affected Miller, who needs a good shoulder in order to grab the snap and make the proper drop.

Though the Patriots already had a punter on the practice squad, rookie Danny Baugher, Belichick said Walter's experience as a holder played a big factor, especially with a rookie kicker, Stephen Gostkowski, lining up for field goals and extra points.

"He's as good a holder as we've ever had here," Belichick said of Walter.

The coach also talked about Chicago kicker Robbie Gould, whom the Pats had in camp last year. Gould is perfect so far this year on both field goals and PATs for the Bears this season.

"He's been great for them. It's hard to know exactly how good he'd be. Obviously we went with Adam (Vinatieri), he's a pretty good kicker."

Belichick said the team's first practice on the new FieldTurf went well, and the team will be out there again today.

We'll have a practice update in about an hour...

Hey all --

The Patriots have just announced that punter Josh Miller has been placed on injured reserve, ending his season.

More in a bit...

Since the Patriots have no practice today, there is no change to their injury report.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

shalise

The New England Patriots today signed (re-signed?) punter Ken Walter and waived CB Antwain Spann.

Walter is generally remembered in these parts for all the wrong reasons. For punters (and offensive linemen), it's best when no one is talking about you, and Walter became a big topic in 2003. Walter, who spent three seasons with New England, was cut for one week late in the `03 season. Brooks Barnard was brought in to punt against Miami, and Walter was back the next week, where he remained through Super Bowl XXXVIII.

Following that season, the Patriots signed Josh Miller. Miller has been spot-on until recently; he had a few short punts against Green Bay last week and is now on the injury list for the Bears game with a shoulder problem.

Walter, 34, spent six games with Seattle in 2004, but was not picked up last year. He reportedly underwent left shoulder surgery and had tryouts with the Texans and Jaguars last week.

Remember also that the Pats have a punter on their practice squad -- undrafted rookie Danny Baugher.

It will be interesting to see how Walter is received if he gets on the field Sunday.

As for Spann, the safe money is on him being re-signed to the practice squad. He was elevated to the 53-man in advance of last week's game with Green Bay due to the injuries in the secondary.

shalise

With apologies for the tardiness...

PATRIOTS
Out: S Rodney Harrison (shoulder)

Questionable: TE Daniel Graham (ankle), CB Ellis Hobbs (wrist), LB Corey Mays (hamstring), P Josh Miller (shoulder), CB Asante Samuel (knee), DB Eugene Wilson (hamstring), TE David Thomas (groin), DB Chad Scott (groin).

Probable: DL Richard Seymour (elbow), QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)

All but Seymour and Brady missed at least a portion of practice.
Miller, Mays and Scott are new additions to the list. Corey Dillon, who has worn a red no-contact jersey in practice for the past two days, is not on the list.

CHICAGO
Questionable: CB Dante Wesley (knee)

Probable: TE Desmond Clark (foot), RB Thomas Jones (groin)

Clark and Jones missed at least a portion of pracitce.

Hey all --

Just in from a chilly practice -- the first for the Pats on their new field -- and Tom Brady was wearing a red jersey as usual, but it was quite a different kind of jersey: as part of a bet he made with Mike Vrabel over the Ohio State-Michigan game, Brady (a Michigan alum) was sporting a red number 94 Ohio State jersey with the name "Vrabel" on the back.

The shirt had been hanging in Brady's locker for a couple of days.

There were three players not spotted during the media-access portion of practice: Rodney Harrison, Antwain Spann and Willie Andrews. Corey Dillon was once again in a red no-contact jersey.

Jonathan Kraft was on the sidelines and threw the football a bit with Brady.

shalise

Hey all --

Every week, Bill Belichick tells us about how great that weeks opponent is, but this week, he really means it. In his opening statement today, Belichick talked at length about the Bears and how good they are in all phases of the game.

Of particular note was his comment that Chicago is "so far ahead of everyone else on third down" defensively. The Bears are the best in the NFL at stopping teams on third down (allowing conversions 26.8 percent of the time), though the Patriots are seventh in the league at converting on third down (41.7 percent).

There was a lot of talk today about Chicago's Brian Urlacher, though rightly so. Belichick said he's "so big, so rangy. He gets his hands on a lot of balls, he makes plays sideline to sideline. He's a major force in there."

Inside the locker room, players were looking forward to their "day off" tomorrow. It's funny because they all say they're glad to have a day away, but all of the players we talked to said they'll be here at Gillette for some measure of time, whether it be for lifting or some type of treatment.

As predicted yesterday, the team will practice on its new surface this week, today in fact. We'll be back with a practice update.

shalise

Hey all --

The cold weather is finally here, and, I fear, my days of being happy to be out at practice in just a long-sleeve shirt without jacket have come to and end for at least a few months.

Anyway, Rodney Harrison and Willie Andrews were the players not spotted during the media access portion of practice, which was a little longer than usual. Corey Dillon was wearing a red no-contact jersey.

Practice team wideout Kelvin Kight was sporting the black jersey, making him the team's practice player of the week for the week leading up to the Green Bay game.

shalise

We're just in from the locker room, where already proud papa Heath Evans said that his wife Bethann gave birth to their second daughter Monday morning.

Naomi was born three weeks early, at 7:11 a.m., and weighed 7 pounds, 1 ounce. She joins Ava Grace, who's two.