Mayo 'Getting Better,' Return Unknown
FOXBORO (CBS) – The New England Patriots are hoping to get a few of their injured players back as the team returns from their bye week.
Linebacker Jerod Mayo could return from a strained MCL in his left knee, after missing the last two games. He made a surprise return to practice last week, but if the defensive captain is set for a return, the Patriots are not saying much about it.
"Jerod's definitely getting better. He's working hard, as he always does," said head coach Bill Belichick on a conference call with the media on Monday.
"We've had a few days away from here, so he's gotten an opportunity to get some more healing and treatment, and we'll see where he is when we get out on the field this week," Belichick said. "But he's certainly making progress, and it would be great to have him back out there whenever that happens."
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Mayo also suffered a sprained MCL in the 2009 season opener, and rushed back to return. He was not the same player though, so it would not be surprising if the team is very careful with Mayo this time around.
Offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer could be in line for a return as well, after missing five of New England first six games this season with an ailing back. But the Belichick would not say much of his status either.
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"It's the same answer I give you every week, just change the name," Belichick said when asked about Vollmer. "We'll put him out there if he's ready to practice, we'll evaluate him. If not, we'll get more rehab and try it again at the next opportunity, then see at that point."
"That's the way it is. Any player that can't fully participate, we ramp up until they are."
The Patriots return to practice on Tuesday as they get ready to take on the Steelers in Pittsburgh.
It sounds like everyone will have to wait until the first practice participation report comes out on Wednesday to get an actual update on Mayo, Vollmer and the other injured Patriots.
Tune in to the Patriots-Steelers on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV on Sunday at 4:15pm. Pregame coverage begins Sunday morning at 11:30am on WBZ with Patriots Gameday, with coverage on The Sports Hub kicking off at 1pm. After the game, tune in to the Patriots Postgame show on 98.5 and Patriots Fifth Quarter on MY TV38.
