Nathan Hodel News

The Rams brought in four long snappers for work outs on Monday afternoon, including Belleville East High School graduate Nathan Hodel.

It appears that Brad St. Louis has held on to the long snapper job for another week, even though the team did bring in Nathan Hodel for a visit.

Part of being a rookie means that on some days, you do what you're told. So after Patriots rookie Jake Ingram handled all long-snapping duties in the final exhibition game Thursday night, he couldn't talk to the media about it.

Well this week has been full of interesting roster moves as the Patriots cut a few veterans like long snapper Nathan Hodel and youngsters QB Kevin O'Connell and living legend Tedy Bruschi retired.

John M. Stephens, the 1988 Offensive Rookie of the Year for the New England Patriots, has been killed after his pickup truck ran off a highway and struck some trees, authorities said Wednesday.

O'Connell was officially released by the Patriots on Monday. As a former third-round draft choice who had joined the organization 16 months ago, the move fell into the sudden and stunning category.

Tom Brady, who injured his shoulder in Friday's preseason game against Washington, said Monday that he expects to play "this week, if coach lets me." Tom Brady , who injured his shoulder in New England 's preseason game against Washington last week, said Monday that he expects to play "this week, if Coach lets me." Brady took a crushing hit from ...

A third-round pick from San Diego State last year, O'Connell spent his rookie season behind Matt Cassel after Brady tore knee ligaments in the season opener.

Patriots punter Chris Hanson didn't pay much mind to the news out of Dallas when Titans rookie A.J. Trapasso booted an in-game punt off the 60-yard long high-definition screens that hang above the playing field during exhibition action last week.

The Patriots are taking their time about making a snap decision. Lonie Paxton skillfully handled the long snapping duties in New England for the last nine seasons.

After two preseason games, an updated projection at how the Patriots' 53-man roster might look for the season-opener: Quarterback : Brady, O'Connell, Walter Quick hit: Rookie Brian Hoyer is making the decision on backups a bit tougher; O'Connell will get more time to prove himself.

The Patriots' long snapper position has been in good hands the last nine years with Lonie Paxton.

Pop quiz: Who holds the Patriots' record for career field goal accuracy rate? Gino Cappelletti? Tony Franklin? Good guesses, but no.

If Jake Ingram gets his way in tomorrow's preseason test against the Philadelphia Eagles, you still won't have any idea who he is by Friday morning.

In today's blitz, see what position battle is flying under the radar and read Tom Brady's comments about the preseason opener.

The Patriots wrapped up their afternoon practice and it was a shorts-and-shells session that was held at half to three-quarters speed.

For just the third time in training camp New England left its helmets and shoulder pads in the locker room to hit the practice fields for a walk-through Wednesday afternoon.

For football players, particularly those with the New England Patriots, consistency is key.

The Patriots are scheduled for two practices today. The first is at 9:30 a.m., while the second is a season-ticket-holder-only session inside Gillette Stadium at 6:30 p.m. When the Patriots work in the stadium, there figures to be a heavy emphasis on special teams.

As key members of the special teams unit has departed for other teams, see who the Patriots might use to fill the voids.