grogsox
01-09-2008, 04:06 PM
From Reiss: The Patriots appeared to have positive news on the injury front yesterday, with starting right tackle Nick Kaczur (foot), starting right guard Stephen Neal (shoulder), and tight end Kyle Brady (foot) all taking part in at least part of the team's full-pads practice inside Gillette Stadium.
Kaczur missed the regular-season finale against the Giants, but was encouraged that he was set to take part in yesterday's practice. Neal, who has been sidelined for four games, remains hopeful of a return, while Brady noted he had made strides after being held out the final two regular-season contests.
Running back Kyle Eckel (stomach) was the only player not present for the portion of practice open to the media, which included stretching and positional drills.
The Jaguars are known for their physical play, which will put an added emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage in Saturday's playoff game, so the Patriots would naturally like to be at full strength on the offensive line.
The return of Neal, who played in just eight regular-season games, would be a boost.
"It gets a little frustrating here and there," Neal said. "But we have a good strength coach and good trainers who keep you mentally focused and ready. I'm going to get out there and help the team however I can, whatever capacity that is.
"You never know. Some days are better than others, so you just go day by day, treatment to treatment, and see where you can end on."
Neither team was required to submit an injury report yesterday.
Kaczur missed the regular-season finale against the Giants, but was encouraged that he was set to take part in yesterday's practice. Neal, who has been sidelined for four games, remains hopeful of a return, while Brady noted he had made strides after being held out the final two regular-season contests.
Running back Kyle Eckel (stomach) was the only player not present for the portion of practice open to the media, which included stretching and positional drills.
The Jaguars are known for their physical play, which will put an added emphasis on controlling the line of scrimmage in Saturday's playoff game, so the Patriots would naturally like to be at full strength on the offensive line.
The return of Neal, who played in just eight regular-season games, would be a boost.
"It gets a little frustrating here and there," Neal said. "But we have a good strength coach and good trainers who keep you mentally focused and ready. I'm going to get out there and help the team however I can, whatever capacity that is.
"You never know. Some days are better than others, so you just go day by day, treatment to treatment, and see where you can end on."
Neither team was required to submit an injury report yesterday.