'Unrelated' tag not a positive with Gronk injuries

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Earlier this week, Rob Gronkowski's camp confirmed that the fourth-year New England Patriots tight end will need yet another surgery -- his fifth since November, sixth in 16 weeks and seventh since his senior year of college.

And in vintage Gronk fashion, the newest injury and operation is "unrelated" to another. (photo: WBUR, Flickr)

Gronkowski will undergo back surgery for "preventative maintenance" purposes, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. And although Gronk battled back issues that had him miss all of 2009 during his time at Arizona State, Rosenhaus says the two aren't connected.

Ellerbe transitions to veteran status with Dolphins

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

In his four years with the Baltimore Ravens, Dannell Ellerbe had the luxury of learning the game from some of the league's most talented veteran linebackers.

Now, he gets to the chance to pass that wisdom along. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

Ellerbe watched and waited in Baltimore behind Ray Lewis & Co. for three years before getting any extensive playing time, which came last season. He proved himself worthy, posting 92 total tackles, 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.

Stevie: Chemistry with Kolb good, can be better

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Stevie Johnson and Kevin Kolb left Thursday's practice looking like a pretty stout match.

The two reportedly connected on a pair of touchdowns toward the end of the Buffalo Bills' second-to-last OTA workout, by far the best showing to date for either player this offseason. (photo: AZKodiak, Flickr)

But while Johnson agreed after practice that the two are starting to build rapport, he emphasized that it's still early, and that one day's worth of work isn't going to cut it the long run.

Rutgers Patriots don't expect special treatment

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Bill Belichick loves him some Rutgers. But that doesn't mean every Scarlet Knight is a lock to stick with the New England Patriots.

The Patriots' current 90-man roster boasts eight former Rutgers players, including a pair of 2013 third-round defensive backs in Duron Harmon and Logan Ryan. The duo will join incumbent starter Devin McCourty, also formerly of Rutgers, in a defensive backfield that is currently hiring.

Harmon recognizes, however, that the only passes he'll get in trying to earn a gameday roster spot are the ones he intercepts in practice. (photo: Peter Roan, Flickr)

Marrone changing Bills' tailback philosophy

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The biggest folly of former Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey was his application of the team's running game.

With one of the best backfield duos in the NFL in C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson, Gailey used the pair one dimensionally: Spiller for speed and Jackson for power. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Even worse, he split reps between the two regardless of whether one was hot or not. And sometimes, he just flat out neglected to use Spiller -- the Bills' most explosive player -- when the team needed him most.

Pennington a 'guest coach' at Dolphins' OTAs

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins hope their young quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, can improve enough this season to lead them to the playoffs.

To help with that, the team enlisted the help of the last quarterback to lead Miami to the playoffs in Chad Pennington. (photo: Nathan Rupert, Flickr)

Pennington joined his former team as a "guest coach" for this week of organized team activities, according to the South Florida Sun Sentinel. The two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award winner is advising the young quarterbacks on Miami's roster.

Wallace misses practice, Starks still staying home

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Two high-profile players were missing from the Miami Dolphins' voluntary team practices on Wednesday, albeit for very different reasons.

Mike Wallace, who was signed to a massive free-agent contract this offseason, missed the practice to attend to a family emergency, according to The Miami Herald. (photo: Doug Butchy, Flickr)

Wallace has attended all of Miami's offseason programs so far, and per his policy, Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin declined to comment on his star wide receiver's absence when speaking to reporters afterwards.

Goodson at Jets' practice, Spikes not at Patriots'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

As the New York Jets and New England Patriots resumed their respective OTAs this week, both had notable happenings in their attendance.

According to the New York Post, recently-arrested Mike Goodson practiced with the Jets Tuesday after skipping activities last week, a plan Goodson's lawyer said the running back and team agreed to. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

Goodson, who pleaded not guilty to drug and gun charges, faces his next hearing on the second day of the Jets' three-day mandatory minicamp, which will commence June 11-13.

New draft dates not permanent, at least not yet

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The 2014 NFL Draft will be held two week later than normal, which, according to the league, is due to a scheduling conflict at Radio City Music Hall.

At least that's the excuse for now. (photo: Marques Stewart, Flickr)

The next draft is scheduled for May 8-10, two weeks after its normal end-of-April spot. Speculation is abound that the new dates will be familiar beyond next year as the NFL continues its quest to make its seasonal sport into an all-year-round spectacle -- as if it hasn't done so already.

Bills seek consistency from interior of D-line

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills defensive lineman Kyle Williams said Tuesday that he "just wants to win." Before that can happen, the defense needs some consistency.

Buffalo's defensive front showed signs of promise last season, though it was overshadowed by bouts of dreadful run defense. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

As the team continues to count on Williams to provide the strong leadership and stability that he has the past seven years, another lineman they're hoping can continue to step up is third-year tackle Marcell Dareus.

Divisional games to be broadcast via ESPN Radio

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

ESPN Radio is transitioning into NFL coverage, and AFC East teams are cashing in on the opportunity. (photo: Dave Rezendes, Flickr)

According to ESPN.com, three of four teams from the division have signed multi-year deals to allow out-of-market games to be broadcast on the national sports radio station for the first time ever.

Sorry Bills fans, but only the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins have reportedly signed deals, as well as the Giants and Steelers.

Hernandez on Gronk-less Pats: Keep train moving

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New England Patriots have without a doubt the best tight end tandem in the NFL -- when healthy.

With Rob Gronkowski nearing half a dozen surgeries in almost as many months, his counterpart in Aaron Hernandez will shoulder (no pun intended, though he is nursing a shoulder) all of the No. 1 duties through summer camp. (photo: Beth Hart, Flickr)

That could very well spill over into the beginning of the regular season, as Gronkowski isn't expected to be 100 percent by Week 1.

Bills' cornerback corps 'not really a veteran group'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

When 25-year-old Justin Rogers is one of the chaperones of a defensive unit, you know it's young.

As Chris Brown of BuffaloBills.com noted Tuesday, the average age of the Bills' secondary is 23. So with Rogers and reserve Crezdon Butler the next-oldest cornerbacks to the 27-year-old Leodis McKelvin, Rogers has found himself pridefully helping along the rookies. (photo: Angelina Purpura, Flickr)

"It’s not a really veteran group we have," Rogers told Brown. "Leodis is the most experienced, but I do have a couple years so I try to help when I can.”

Tannehill 'comfortable' with Martin at left tackle

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Ryan Tannehill has Jonathan Martin's back. Tannehill can only hope Martin returns the favor.

After losing All-Pro left tackle Jake Long to the open market, the Dolphins didn't address the position in free agency despite handful of visits and opted not to take one of the drafts high-profile left tackles. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

So it's all up to the sophomore Martin, who started 12 games on the right side and four on the left during his rookie season, to keep the second-year quarterback Tannehill's jersey clean.

Coples: Rex's plan always was to put me at OLB

BY NICK ST. DENIS

When a front-seven player gets a new position label in a Rex Ryan defense, it's never definitive. Ryan often has his defensive ends lining up at tackle, the outside linebackers setting up shop at the end of the line and his safeties lurking over the pre-snapped football.

A change in label just might mean the player will take on that new role just a little more often than he has in the past.

Such is the case with Quinton Coples, a "former" defensive end who regularly lined up over center as a rookie last year but is now an "outside linebacker." (photo: Pedro Cambra, Flickr)

Dolphins rookie CB Taylor 'tries to mimic' Revis

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The Miami Dolphins drafted cornerback Jamar Taylor to help upgrade their highly-questionable pass defense. If Taylor can put on the field what he's studied on film, they'll have nothing to worry about.

When asked by Max Strauss of prointerviews.org which NFL player Taylor likens himself to, the second-round pick out of Boise State threw for the end zone.

"I like to compare my game a lot to Darrelle Revis," Taylor said. "I’m not as patient as him in my press game. I have been in the past, but I try to switch it up a lot.

Smith's big rugby-to-football hurdle? The helmet

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Hayden Smith had a pile of obstacles to overcome in transitioning from rugby to American football when the New York Jets signed him last year.

One of them seemed simple enough -- but it wasn't.

“First of all it took me forever to actually figure out how to do the helmet up," the tight end project told NewYorkJets.com's Eric Allen. "I remember running around on the practice field and having to have the coaches actually do the straps up in-between, so it was a bit of a nightmare for the first few days.

Chandler will fight like a 'stubborn dog' for reps

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Buffalo Bills tight end Scott Chandler is only four and a half months removed from knee surgery, but he was already back on the field running some routes with his team on Thursday.

If he has it his way, his reps will only increase. (photo: Doug Kerr, Flickr)

Over the past two years, the veteran has hit his stride in Buffalo, pulling in more than 900 yards and 12 touchdowns while becoming a reliable option in the middle of the field and in the red zone.

Brady says Welker wasn't a factor in new contract

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tom Brady doesn't consider himself a part-time general manager for the New England Patriots.

So when signing a new contract in February that would extend his stay in Foxborough but save the team up-front money, he didn't make any suggestions about the team's free agency plans. (photo: cerebusfangirl, Flickr)

Not even suggestions that would improve the odds of him getting back his top target for the past half-decade in Wes Welker.

Keller reaffirms desire to be in Miami long-term

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dustin Keller made an annual trip to South Beach during his five years with the New York Jets and opted for a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins this offseason.

Keller, however, plans on making his next arrangement with the team a little longer. (photo: Billtacular, Flickr)

"This definitely is where I want to be for the long term, but I just want to prove that I'm better than last year," Keller said this week, via the team's website.

Belichick no longer America's highest-paid coach

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Well, it was a good run.

For the last two years, New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick had been the highest-paid coach in America. But according to Forbes, Belichick is now runner-up to New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton.

Payton is salaried at $8 million, while Belichick is reportedly slated to make $7.5 million a year -- the same as Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. (photo: Steve Glass, Flickr)

Pettine says Williams is adapting nicely to safety

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Mike Pettine summed up his game plan for the Buffalo Bills defense in one word Wednesday: flexibility.

One Bill who's trying to prove he can fit that mold is defensive back Aaron Williams. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Flickr)

Williams, who is entering his third season with the team, was recently thrown into the safety role by Pettine after a disappointing run at the cornerback position. According to the former Jets assistant, Williams is taking the change in responsibility in stride.

Geno's hiring Jay Z's agency not 'an image thing'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Geno Smith made a splash when he fired his agents after the 2013 NFL Draft. Perhaps unintentionally, Smith made another when he opted to hire Roc Nation -- Jay Z's new agency -- to represent him.

It's not a big deal to Smith, but the New York spotlight that was thrust upon him when the Jets selected him in the second round inevitably made his next move newsworthy.

Smith insists Jay Z himself didn't play a big role in his going with Roc Nation and that the move "isn't because of an image thing or trying to market myself."

Amendola not worried about Welker comparisons

BY NICK ST. DENIS

All season long, New England Patriots receiver Danny Amendola will be compared to the guy he replaced in Denver Broncos receiver Wes Welker. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Flickr)

But for now, Amendola is trying to put that aside.

"That's not something I need to worry about," he said Tuesday, via ESPN Boston. "I'm worried about the playbook and getting the routes down and getting on the same page as my teammates. The good thing is I don't have to worry about that stuff."

Namath promises Sanchez will be 'a different guy'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Joe Namath isn't necessarily finished with guarantees. (photo: Nick St. Denis)

The Hall-of-Famer and lone Super Bowl-winning New York Jets quarterback, while being interviewed at a United Way event Tuesday, acutely set up shop in Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez's corner.

"I promise you you'll see a different guy (this year)," Namath said, via the NY Daily News. "I believe you'll see a different guy.

Ballard's long-awaited return going well so far

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

While the surgeries seem like they'll never end for the New England Patriots' tight end crew, Jake Ballard isn't showing any signs of distress.

The 25-year-old was back on the field for the first time since his debilitating knee injury almost a year and a half ago, and according to Field Yates of ESPNBoston.com, nothing has indicated he would have any further setbacks.

Yates noted that the former New York Giant took a majority of the reps with the team, while also getting in his work with the strength training coach. That's good news for New England, which could use a reliable body at the moment at the position. (photo: Mike Morbeck, Flickr)

Dolphins' rookie CB Taylor out at least a month

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins hope the new players they acquired through free agency and the draft will help their secondary play improve from last season.

One of those additions, second-round pick Jamar Taylor, will miss four-to-six weeks after undergoing sports hernia surgery, according to The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson.

Taylor was one of two cornerbacks taken by Miami in consecutive rounds of April's draft, in an effort to augment a pass defense that ranked 27th in passing yards allowed a year ago.

Jones's desire to report to Fins' OTAs wavering

BY SEAN DONOVAN

Unhappy with his contract situation, Miami Dolphins safety Reshad Jones skipped his team's offseason conditioning sessionon Monday, signalling what could be a bumpy summer for the two parties.

But according to The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero, Jones has decided to report after being reassured that contract talks would take place "eventually."

According to Salguero, Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland contacted Jones' agent Monday evening regarding the situation. Afterwards, the player felt good enough to show up to Tuesday's OTA session.

Allen welcomes 'healthy competition' with Bush

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Veteran safety Dawan Landry will fill the void in the New York Jets' defensive backfield left by his brother, LaRon. But the other starting centerfield job is up for grabs.

2012 draft picks Antonio Allen and Josh Bush are sharing reps at safety during offseason activities as defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman and head coach Rex Ryan decide who will set up shop as the starter next to Landry.

Allen recently told Conor Orr of The Star-Ledger that Thurman hasn't officially declared war between the two, but the battle has obviously begun. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Love on Patriots: 'That's how they do business'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Kyle Love was a productive and relatively inexpensive cog on the New England Patriots' defensive line, but he was no longer in the team's plans as of last week.

The Patriots released the fourth-year player after he was diagnosed with diabetes. While Love landed on his feet days later by signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars, he wasn't surprised about getting cut by his first team. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Wikimedia Commons)

“That’s how they run their business up there; veteran guys who have been there for years and put in a lot of work get treated like rookies,” he told The Florida Times Union.

Owens visit could shake up Bills' special teams

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Unrestricted free agent Montell Owens visited the Buffalo Bills Monday, and the special teams squad would certainly like to see him return with a signed contract.

According to Chris Brown of buffalobills.com, the running back was in town a quick meeting, though he left without a contract in place. The 29-year-old is a stud on special teams, and his services could be equally as useful on on the offensive side of the ball.

Coach Doug Marrone shared his thoughts on Owens to the media Monday, while also solidifying his stance on transparency between the coaching staff and the players.

Egnew clearly trying to shake 'soft' perception

BY NICK ST. DENIS

A teammate of Michael Egnew called the young Miami Dolphins tight end a "p---y" and "not a football player" earlier this year, with another coworker saying "he should have been cut."

That, just months after being publicly ripped by his offensive coordinator on HBO's Hard Knocks. So Egnew is trying to toughen up.

According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins' 2012 third-rounder is now spending three days a week doing mixed martial arts training.

Manuel: Bills' offense 'easier to learn' than FSU's

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Less than month after being drafted by the Buffalo Bills, E.J. Manuel says his new offense is a piece of cake.

“It’s easier to learn than the offense I learned at Florida State,” the first-round quarterback recently told Sirius XM NFL radio. "To be honest, it’s a true West Coast-type progression offense and that’s really what I wanted coming through the pre-draft process where I could just go in and go 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and just check it down or run.

"It’s that simple and I love it." (photo: Dave Wilkinson, Flickr)

With Woods, Bills' draft class nearly locked up

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills are almost out of the Woods. Awful pun.

The Bills have agreed to terms with second-round receiver Robert Woods, as first reported by ESPN's James Walker. With that, Buffalo has all but one of its eight 2013 picks -- first-round quarterback E.J. Manuel -- locked up. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

Woods can now focus on taking the Bills' No. 2 receiver gig opposite Stevie Johnson.

Tom Brady: If you're done learning, move on

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Tom Brady is arguably the greatest quarterback of all time, but he's not done yet. And not because he hasn't accomplished enough already -- he still has a lot to learn.

"Once you feel like you're done learning, you might as well move on," Brady recently told SI's Peter King. (photo: Keith Allison, Flickr)

Brady, a three-time Super Bowl winner who has thrown for 44,806 yards and 334 touchdowns, is rejuvenating his mechanics this offseason and working on being more "efficient" with his throws.

Willie Colon expects Jets to oust Mike Goodson

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The New York Jets have yet to make a move regarding running back Mike Goodson, who was recently arrested on weapons and drug charges.

One of Goodson's new teammates -- and no, not an anonymous one -- told the NY Daily News Saturday that Goodson won't be a Jet for long. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

"It's one of the things where it's zero-tolerance with stuff like that," offensive lineman Willie Colon said. "It's sad. Mike could have been huge for us."

Patriots' reserve TEs poised for meaningful snaps

BY SEAN DONOVAN

New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski's offseason has gone from bad to worse.

Not long after learning he would need a fourth surgical procedure on his left forearm, Gronkowski found out he would "probably" need surgery on an injured disc in his back, according to a report by ProFootballTalk.com. (photo: Jack Newton, Flickr)

The All-Pro tight end is seeking a second opinion from spine specialist Robert Watkins.

Whaley on Manuel: 'This guy has a presence'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Doug Whaley took command of the Buffalo Bills Thursday via his promotion to general manager, and he thinks his new quarterback is plenty capable of taking command of their offense.

"When you spend two minutes with the guy, you know this guy has a presence," Whaley said. of E.J. Manuel. "He has a presence on and off the field. (photo: Dave Wilkinson, Flickr)

"We are excited for everything EJ brings to the table, as well as the rest of our draft class. We think the sky is the limit."

Dolphins' returner Thigpen setting lofty goals

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Marcus Thigpen returned a kick and a punt for touchdowns last season. He's hoping that's just the start.

Thigpen, a former Canadian Football Leaguer and second-year NFLer, has his sights set high for what he hopes is an illustrious career in the big leagues. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

“My goal is to get at least seven returns for touchdowns on kick returns and punt returns combined,” Thigpen told MiamiDolphins.com recently. “I want to do something that’s never been done before and anything’s possible."

Smith: Sanchez sucks; Mark: I wish him success

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith doesn't think much of Mark Sanchez. Sanchez doesn't think much of it.

Wednesday, Smith took a shot at the New York Jets' much-maligned quarterback. "He sucks," Smith told a Charlotte radio station. "I wouldn't let Mark Sanchez throw me a paper bag sandwich." (photo: Mark Runyon | Football Schedule)

Thursday, Sanchez was asked about Smith's comments. Sanchez took took the high road.

Drafted rookie signings in the division so far

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills have signed six of their eight draft picks, most recently second-round linebacker Kiko Alonso. Only first-round quarterback E.J. Manuel and second-round receiver Robert Woods remain without a deal. (photo: Neon Tommy, Flickr)

Fourth-round linebacker Jelani Jenkins is the Miami Dolphins' highest pick signed, with a defensive back and a kicker being the only other two under contract so far.

Safety Duron Harmon, the New England Patriots' second of two third-rounders, was the first drafted rookie to sign with the team.

As for the New York Jets, Gang Green has a crop of offensive big men signed, led by third-round guard Brian Winters and two other late-round lineman, as well as a fullback.

Two AFC East teams, zero snaps for Garrard

BY NICK ST. DENIS

David Garrard fell just short of the regular season last year during his stint with the Miami Dolphins. That was a lot further than he got with the New York Jets.

Garrard, who signed with the Jets in March, has reportedly opted to retire from football thanks to a nagging knee injury. (photo: Paul Robinson, Flickr)

Entering the 2012 preseason, Garrard was the favorite to win the Dolphins' starting job over rookie Ryan Tannehill and incumbent Matt Moore. With the Jets, Garrard had reasonable competition for the No. 1 gig in the much-maligned Mark Sanchez and rookie Geno Smith.

No Love: Patriots cut another key cog on D-line

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

The hits just keep on coming for the New England Patriots' defensive line this week, as yet another roster spot opened up for the second time in three days.

This time, it was at the expense of fourth-year interior lineman Kyle Love. (photo: Jeffrey Beall, Wikimedia)

Love's agent, Richard Kopelman, said Wednesday that the tackle was being released under the non-football injury designation, alluding to Love's Type-2 diabetes diagnosis as the reason.

Stevie has taken notice of Bills' speedy additions

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

When Stevie Johnson was asked Wednesday just how impressed he was with the speed that the team has brought in at the wide receiver position, he summed it up in one word: "Very."

The Buffalo Bills surrounded the No. 1 receiver with speedsters this offseason, which could dramatically alter the look of the team's passing game from a year ago. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

Headlining that group is former track star Marquise Goodwin, who ran a 4.27 in the 40-yard dash at the Combine and said recently he's 100 percent committed to football.

Wallace expects quick chemistry with his new QB

BY SEAN DONOVAN

The Miami Dolphins added a talented, and expensive, weapon to their offense when they signed wide receiver Mike Wallace earlier this offseason.

The success of that move depends entirely on the wideout's ability to gel with his new quarterback Ryan Tannehill. After having the chance to work together, Wallace doesn't think it'll take long at all to develop chemistry with the young signal-caller. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

“[It] won't take as much time as people think," Wallace said, according to The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson. "By the time we get to training camp, we’ll be fine. We throw two to three times after practice every day.”

Rex's grip on defense doesn't bother Thurman

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Dennis Thurman says he doesn't care who gets the credit.

Thurman was named the New York Jets' defensive coordinator following the January departure of Mike Pettine, who bolted for the Buffalo Bills in an effort to shake Rex Ryan's shadow. (photo: Matt Britt, Flickr)

With that, Ryan has re-taken a firm grip on the Jets' defense, and Thurman is more than happy to let the defensive guru do his thing, even at the expense of his own recognition.

Thomas: 'Nobody has leg up' for top tailback job

BY SEAN DONOVAN

After letting Reggie Bush leave in free agency this offseason, the Miami Dolphins will have a new starting tailback in 2013.

Common perception is that second-year back Lamar Miller, who possesses a similar skillset to Bush, is the odds-on favorite to take the majority of the carries in the Dolphins' offense. (photo: June Rivera, Flickr)

But Daniel Thomas, Miami's most experienced running back, doesn't see why people think Miller has a leg up on the competition.

E.J. Manuel's presence 'doesn't scare' Kevin Kolb

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Before joining the Buffalo Bills, Kevin Kolb was well-aware the team wanted to take a quarterback early in the 2013 NFL Draft.

"I knew it was in the plans," Kolb said Tuesday. Obviously, he signed regardless.

So as the veteran signal-caller took the field alongside first-rounder E.J. Manuel for the first time this week, Kolb put any worry that he isn't the eventual starter aside. (photo: AZKodiak, Flickr)

Shane Vereen focusing on injury-free third year

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

Third-year running back Shane Vereen's chance at a significant role in the offense this season is looking better and better by the day.

Now he just has to stay healthy.

As New England's second round pick in  2011, Vereen has yet to see much time on the field. According to Pro Football Focus, he was involved in 19 percent of the team's overall offensive snaps last season and only 26 total snaps his rookie season.

Pouncey on Martin: 'Left tackle is his position'

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Prior to the 2013 offseason, the Miami Dolphins were expected to acquire a left tackle in free agency or early in the draft if they were to lose Jake Long. That idea is long gone.

Miami seemingly will leave second-year tackle Jonathan Martin, who filled in for the injured Long down the stretch last season after starting at right tackle, with the responsibility of protecting second-year quarterback Ryan Tannehill's blindside.

At least one Dolphin -- the team's best offensive lineman -- is confident Martin will be OK.