What's the word on Brandon Bolden?

[PatriotSeven]

I believe his suspension is up and should be available for the Houston game. There was something about us having a 1 week roster exemption that we can lift at anytime. Are we all filled up? Do we have to release someone?

 

[Sciz]

Right now, the Pats don't have to cut anyone for Bolden (although they will have to for Stallworth). If the Pats want Bolden to play on Monday, then they'll have to cut someone before Monday to make room for him. Otherwise, they have until Tuesday to do so.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Yup, heard on the radio he's eligible to come back today, though of course the team had the day off. Between this and the Stallworth signing, there have to be some interesting roster moves coming up. Purely speculating: I wouldn't be shocked if Bolden got IR'ed, though I hope not.

 

[mayoclinic]

Pats were granted a 4 day roster exemption. That essentially allowed us to sign Donte Stallworth without releasing anyone today. If we activate Bolden we'll have to release someone.

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: The Blitz» Blog Archive » Brandon Bolden’s suspension ends, Pats get roster exemption

 

[Uncle Rico]

Reiss on Bolden and some players the Pats worked out today.

 

[PatriotSeven]

So this gives Bill a chance to take a look at everyone two more days in practice before cutting someone. Hope he stayed in shape, ready and comes back strong. He was averaging 5.4 yards per carry before he was suspended. Thought he could be our main run threat but if it was because of what he was taking....not sure what to think anymore.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Pats were granted a 4 day roster exemption. That essentially allowed us to sign Donte Stallworth without releasing anyone today. If we activate Bolden we'll have to release someone.

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: The Blitz� Blog Archive � Brandon Bolden’s suspension ends, Pats get roster exemption

You misread that or they corrected a mistake. One week exemption. We have until next Tuesday to activate him. Still need to make room for Stallworth.

 

[BlueThunder]

Probably a Rodney move to help heal faster. No big deal

 

[DocHoliday]

So this gives Bill a chance to take a look at everyone two more days in practice before cutting someone. Hope he stayed in shape, ready and comes back strong. He was averaging 5.4 yards per carry before he was suspended. Thought he could be our main run threat but if it was because of what he was taking....not sure what to think anymore.

That's my fear. That he was an anxious UDFA who was desperate to make the team and secure his future...

 

[PatriotSeven]

That's my fear. That he was an anxious UDFA who was desperate to make the team and secure his future...

Well you know a lot of free agents love us and see it as a privilege to be part of this club. We can hope maybe that's why.

I'm with you though. I just don't know what to think of guys that play at a certain level because of steroids, get caught, then can't take them. What happens to their abilities? Will they be the same guy?

I've always wondered...do players who get suspended for drugs or PED's have to get tested again at the end of their suspension before being allowed to come back? Or perhaps another scheduled mandatory test date at some set point in the future?

 

[DocHoliday]

Well you know a lot of free agents love us and see it as a privilege to be part of this club. We can hope maybe that's why.

I'm with you though. I just don't know what to think of guys that play at a certain level because of steroids, get caught, then can't take them. What happens to their abilities? Will they be the same guy?

I've always wondered...do players who get suspended for drugs or PED's have to get tested again at the end of their suspension before being allowed to come back? Or perhaps another scheduled mandatory test date at some set point in the future?

Just take a look at Shawn Merriman. Became a nobody right after he got caught.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Just take a look at Shawn Merriman. Became a nobody right after he got caught.

To be fair, that's not exactly true. He went from a Pro Bowler to a starting-caliber player after being caught, then became a nobody after the knee injury that he stupidly tried to play through.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Just take a look at Shawn Merriman. Became a nobody right after he got caught.

To be fair, that's not exactly true. He went from a Pro Bowler to a starting-caliber player after being caught, then became a nobody after the knee injury that he stupidly tried to play through.

As for the Stallworth signing, I guess Edelman's out for a while. Hopefully he still has some speed left.

 

[shmessy]

Just take a look at Shawn Merriman. Became a nobody right after he got caught.

Our Mr. Spikes didn't go backwards.

 

[PatriotSeven]

To be fair, that's not exactly true. He went from a Pro Bowler to a starting-caliber player after being caught, then became a nobody after the knee injury that he stupidly tried to play through.

As for the Stallworth signing, I guess Edelman's out for a while. Hopefully he still has some speed left.

I know nothing about steroids usage and side effects but if I had to guess I bet it has something to do with how you use them too and for what purpose.

If you need them regularly in order to perform at a certain level, then you will probably stink once you are off.

If you are using them in order to shorten the workout regiment, increase workout efficiency and get to that physical level faster, then perhaps it can be maintained without a significant drop off with natural workouts once you are there.

And yeah, I believe Stallworth's signing could mean Edelman might be the one getting IR'ed.

 

[goheels22002]

Brandon Bolden Suspension Ends 12-3-2012 - now what?

I am surprised there hasn't been more said about Brandon Bolden coming back this week, especially as a one-two punch against the Texans rushing defense.

Opponents have run against the Texans the fewest times of any team in the NFL. That seems like a formula for the Patriots to say, "prove you can stop the run," with a steady diet of the four RBs. That would keep the pressure on Brady down somewhat, and if successful like Sunday against Miami, it could turn the game into a smash mouth affair. It would be great to get Bolden and Mankins out there this week.

Does anybody know what we can can expect the Patriots to do this week with Bolden?

 

[signbabybrady]

Re: Brandon Bolden Suspension Ends 12-3-2012 - now what?

My opinion is Vareen has shown enough to push Boldin back to fourth on the depth chart and as such I would not be surprised to see them use the roster exception and not activate him until next week.

 

[PatsFan2]

Re: Brandon Bolden Suspension Ends 12-3-2012 - now what?

Who?? he might be #4 on the Dept Chart now Stephen Riddley is the man an Shane Vereen have come on of late...Woodhead is still nice for a change of pace on 3rd downs. Brand Who might just as well be inactive...that said great problem to have.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Brandon Bolden Suspension Ends 12-3-2012 - now what?

Shane Vereen has jumped him on the depth chart. Bolden will have to earn the reps in practice and the snaps in the game back. Vereen has done well in his PT, so I think he earns the right to continuing playing.

 

[RelocatedPatFan]

Re: Brandon Bolden Suspension Ends 12-3-2012 - now what?

Run the beast!

Bolden is a backup for Ridley and doesn't dispel Vereen or Woodhead.. We could use him to limit the reps for Ridley to keep him fresher for the post season. I say let Ridly get as much restthe last 2 weeks of the regular season.