From Patriots Camp: Kraft, Chung, Others Arrive; Practice Set For Thursday
FOXBORO (CBS) - Patriots players began returning to Foxboro on Tuesday, one day after the NFL Lockout was lifted when both sides came to an agreement.
WBZ-TV's Levan Reid is in Foxboro and will be providing updates as the Patriots begin to roll in to Gillette Stadium.
2:25 p.m. - MANKINS TO REPORT ON-TIME
It is being reported that Patriots Offensive lineman Logan Mankins will sign his franchise tag and he will report to camp on time.
Logan's agent Frank Bauer spoke earleir this morning and said, "Early this morning, Logan spoke with Bill [Belichick] and both are very happy, happy to get started. Logan is looking forward to being with his teammates and coaches, with a fresh start."
1:50 p.m. - BANTA-CAIN TO BE RELEASED
There are reports surfacing that the Patriots have told linebacker Tully Banta-Cain that he will be realeased. Tully is recovering from abdominal surgery and should be out another 4 to 6 weeks. He could be released on Thursday, when the NFL re-opens for waivers.
Banta-Cain, one of the Patriots' top pass-rushers, enters his ninth NFL season. He played in 15 games in 2010, with six starts, and was second on the team with five sacks. His role was mostly as a pass-rusher in specialty packages.
1:45 p.m. - CHUNG SPEAKS
Patriots Safety Patrick Chung was the first player to speak to the media today.
"I almost put my helmet on when I walked out of my house the other day. We're just ready to go. ...Guys are ready. Most guys are here getting their things done. It's time to go to work. ...Happy to be back and working now. I miss the fans, I miss [the media]. Just glad to be back," said Chung.
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Doug Cope was there to speak with Chung:
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Chung mentioned that he's been away from the stadium but he still was not away from football. Like many of the players in the league, Patrick was involved in conditioning and player practices. A league-wide change Chung will have to deal with is the end of two-a-day practices at camp. The safety had mixed feelings on this.
"I like hitting. But it definitely saves your body, you [stay] a little more healthy. It helps you in the long run. You can go harder during practice. ...We work hard. Regardless of whether it's one practice, two practices, three practices, a thousand practices, it doesn't matter. We're going to work hard and Bill and the leaders on the team are going to make sure that happens," said Chung.
11:40 a.m.
The Patriots have made their initial practice times available. They will practice on Thursday and Friday at 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The practices will be open to the public, but the players will not be in pads. Per the new CBA, the players will not be in pads the first three days of training camp.
10:55 a.m. - KRAFT ARRIVES
Patriots owner Robert Kraft pulled up curbside, jumped out of his car and made his way into the facility. It was a quick stop, and he had papers in hand.
10:35 a.m.
The first big name player to arrive with the media on hand is Patrick Chung. Just for those who were wondering, Patrick has a very prime parking space right in the front.
Now, there are players in the stadium getting treatment. They were able to resume those activities once the lockout was lifted.
10:30 a.m.
Patriots opened their doors today at 10 and the arrivals have started. This is going to be a slow process. The players have to whole day to get here. So far, Darnell Jenkins, Taylor Price, Thad Turner and Dane Fletcher have made their way to the stadium. We will have more to report later.
