James White – Noteworthy
RB James White needs one more TD catch to pass Kevin Faulk for second-most touchdown receptions among Pats running backs. White currently has 15 touchdowns catches. Larry Garron is first with 26 touchdown catches. Garron played for the Boston Patriots from 1960-1968 before Old Foxboro Stadium was built. Records indicate he is still living.
John Simon – Noteworthy
LB John Simon was among the Colts’ final preseason roster cuts despite the fact he was one of the defense’s best players in 2017. Colts GM Chris Ballard said the difficult decision was made because Simon didn’t fit the new 4-3 scheme as a defensive end. Just signed last week and listed on the Patriots depth chart as a reserve defensive end, Simon debuted with five tackles and one sack in the Patriots’ 38-7 home win over Miami on Sunday.
Julian Edelman – Noteworthy
WR Julian Edelman, who was suspended four games because of performing enhancing drugs, arrived at Gillette Stadium Monday morning ready to work. Edelman has not played a real game in about 18 months since the Pats beat the Atlanta Falcons in the Super Bowl.
Edelman has been sorely missed in the Patriots’ 2-2 start because QB Tom Brady relies on him to move the chains. The shifty wide receiver is often impossible to cover on those quick-hit, short-range patterns. Brady can take a three-step drop and Edelman is open. The Colts are so banged up in the secondary with two cornerbacks possibly missing the game with concussions and another nursing an ankle injury, it’s unknown who would match up with Edelman, who moves around in the formation but typically lines up in the slot.
Rob Gronkowski – Important – Injury
TE Rob Gronkowski did not practice Tuesday with an ankle injury. Head coach Bill Belichick faces an interesting decision because the Patriots can beat the Colts without Gronkowski. Thus, Belichick might consider giving Gronkowski the game off so he does not aggravate his injury. The Patriots want to make sure Gronkowski is ready to play against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are undefeated, a week from Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski – Noteworthy – Injury
TE Rob Gronkowski (ankle) did not practice Tuesday with an ankle injury. Bill Belichick faces an interesting decision because the Pats can beat the Colts without Gronkowski. Thus, Belichick might consider giving Gronkowski the game off so he does not aggravate his injury. The Pats want to make sure Gronkowski is ready to play against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are undefeated, a week from Sunday.