Toucher & Rich With Gostkowski: 'Starting To See The Finish Line' To Lockout
BOSTON (CBS) - New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski missed the final eight games of the regular season and two playoff games with a torn right quad, but told 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher and Rich he is confident he will return to the automatic kicker he was before the injury.
"I feel that there is no question I'll be back," Gostkowski said on his quad injury. "That's up to the coaches. From a health standpoint I don't see any setbacks...I feel good and feel confident. I'm ready to rock."
Gostkowski rehabbed the injury at Gillette Stadium until the current NFL lockout hit, when he shifted things to Tennessee. As the lockout hits 100 days, he is excited to be hearing some good news when it comes to a labor agreement.
"The couple people I have talked to, it has been much more positive. People are starting to see the finish line", said the Patriots kicker. "Guys are focused on getting ready. Because if you're not ready when you show up there are some serious consequences."
Gostkowski said he and fellow special-teamers Zoltan Mesko and Matt Katula have worked out together this offseason. Like most teams, the Patriots have held player-only workouts, but the special teamers were not present.
The Patriots could have a leg-up when it comes to familiarity, but Gostkowski says every team will have to work hard to get ready for the upcoming season, whenever the lockout ends.
"The only good thing about it is everyone is in the same boat," he said. "You just have to be smart. We trust our coaches and trainers. We have coach Belichick running things, I trust everything he does," said Gostkowski.
The guys also discussed Gostkowski pairing up with Stop & Shop. There will be a private reception from 6-8 pm, at the official store opening of Stop & Shop in Andover, located in the Shawsheen plaza at 209 North Main St.
"I'm excited to pair up with Stop & Shop" said Gostkowski. "They raise a lot of money for cancer awareness."
"To have my name on something like that is real exciting."
