Sunday Patriots Headlines

A raining Sunday here in New England, with the Boston sports world gearing up for game five of the NBA Finals tonight between the Celtics and the Lakers. However, here's a look at today's top Patriots stories.

The Logan Mankins situation is about to come to a head in the next day or so, with Mankins under the gun to make a decision regarding the tender offer that he's yet to sign. Failing to sign the tender could have serious implications and Albert Breer of the Boston Globe takes an in-depth look at several scenarios that could play out with the Pro Bowl guard in the coming weeks.

By declining to sign the tender, Mankins could potentially lose the $1.728 million, but wouldn't be subject to fines for missing minicamp or training camp, or risk facing the 30-day rule. If he isn't under contract, Mankins would have until Week 10 to report in order to have the season count toward free agency.

Ian Rapoport of the Herald reports that the Patriots aren't messing around, and that they do indeed plan on cutting his salary if he fails to sign the tender.

Karen Guregian talks to former Patriot Heath Evans (now with the New Orleans Saints) who discusses the upcoming practices between his new and former team. She also looks at some other interesting topics in her Sunday NFL Notes column.

Tyrone McKenzie and Pierre Woods were involved in a terrific cause yesterday, helping to raise funds to benefit One Mission and Children's Hospital Boston yesterday, as they both participated in a 'Kids Cancer Buzz-Off'.

According to the Herald they shaved the heads of children who raised money to support for family members or close ones who have cancer. The event apparently really hit home with McKenzie.

"My father died of stomach cancer when I was 9," said McKenzie, a second-year player from South Florida. "It was a tough time, and I wouldn't have become the person I am today (without it). But this was something that I highlighted on my schedule that I wanted to do. It's a great opportunity to try to do whatever I can to help. That's huge for the kids to cut their hair off for cancer."

Speaking of another player making a difference, Albert Breer offers up a great story in his Sunday NFL Notes column featuring the relationship between Mark Herzlich and Tedy Bruschi. It's a terrific article that you definitely need to check out.

Meanwhile Chris Price of WEEI adds a great post this morning breaking down the contract status of all the Patriots rookies and taking a look at what type of deal the remaining unsigned guys may be looking for.

PreSeason Football is already starting in the CFL, with a game coming up between the Calgary Stampeders and Eskimos at Commonwealth Stadium. Why the mention? Well this article points out that the game also features the world debut of the new state-of-the-art FieldTurf Duraspine Pro, which according to the report only the NFL New England Patriots and CFL Eskimos have installed for this season with executives of the company coming out for the occasion.

Zach Wieglus of NESN.com discusses the golf game of celebrity golfers, with Tony Romo and Tom Brady getting a mention for their play on the links.

That's it for this morning. Hope everyone has a good day and we'll see you tomorrow.