When is it time to get a bit concerned about TE??

[Pats726]

I guess Watson is a little dinged up and out of practice today...Hmmmm who is left??

Thomas hasn't been seen at all recovering from a broken foot...probably PUP.

Brady has been injured most of camp, although I think he'll be ready...HOPING.

Watson is out today; leg injury from last night.

Mills was out and is apparently back; but he's not a classic TE...so??

Kranchick has played all camp, but is he the only real TE left??

I think this is a position that they need help in...an opening, a roster spot. Bring someone in quick, before Heath Evans is the starting TE on the team.

Long term it will not be a problem, but for the next few weeks it will be.

 

[TheSeymonsta]

Non issue....

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

Brady's supposed to be back - I thought I read he was at practice last night.

As long as we have a big thug like him blocking, I'm fine with our TE in a "not concerned" way. Watson's injury doesn't sound major, him or Thomas - who seems a lot further away - is great.

Bottom line for me -

Brady or Watson = Not Concerned.
Brady and (Watson or Thomas) = Happy.
Brady, Watson and Thomas = Spoiled.

Edit : I see Brady wasn't at practice today - he is supposed to have a manageable injury though.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Opening day if we don't have 2

 

[DaBruinz]

One of the things I have learned over the past 2 years about BB is that he and the training staff are realizing just how serious leg (hamstring/quad) injuries can and DO impair a player. And that they aren't things you can just play through.

I think that Watson and Moss being out is just that. The Pats giving them precautionary rest to ensure that they are there for the long haul. Also, Watson took a lot of reps last night.

We may not see the Pats carry but 2 TEs into the season, relying more on the 3 and 4 WR set to get things done over the middle. Yes, its a change in philosophy, but it plays into the strengths of the current roster.

 

[Pats726]

One of the things I have learned over the past 2 years about BB is that he and the training staff are realizing just how serious leg (hamstring/quad) injuries can and DO impair a player. And that they aren't things you can just play through.

I think that Watson and Moss being out is just that. The Pats giving them precautionary rest to ensure that they are there for the long haul. Also, Watson took a lot of reps last night.

We may not see the Pats carry but 2 TEs into the season, relying more on the 3 and 4 WR set to get things done over the middle. Yes, its a change in philosophy, but it plays into the strengths of the current roster.

That is very true..I would think they would have 3 TEs on the 53..but I agree that their philosophy MAY change. The wideouts are the weapons this year...but right now, the top 3 TEs are out...not practicing. Brady, Watson, Thomas...Kranchick and Mills ARE the TEs. As I said, long term I do not see it as a problem, but one can't learn timing and many other things when one isn't on the field. With 16 practices..5 TEs there are 80 total for the position..37 missed (including Thomas's PUP). Just a concern. I agree they are keeping some players out managing, but?? Right now..Watson and Kranchick could be the TEs.

 

[LA Pats Fan]

Why are you worried?

Watson, Thomas and Vrable all have experience at the TE position. I don't think missing practice will affect them much.

The Second teamers / Brady are getting the bulk of practice which is good to develop depth.

 

[zippo59]

They have a good flock of players--Watson, Thomas, Brady, Mills is a good group--and the most tight ends you'll see on a roster is four. It's just one of those times where they have an unusual amount of injuries at one position.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

First, just because Kranchick is getting second guessed by observers doesn't mean he's that far off from what the Coaches expect from him - BB may want a more well-rounded player, but he'll still work to use any player's strengths. Second, Kyle Brady was reported out running routes with Donte under Trainer supervision a couple days ago, he's getting both the injury rehab time and the old farts extended service life program from what I'm reading. Third, Dave Thomas is losing valuable time, but he's also shown he can get the job done in all phases of his assignments - worse case based on what we now know, he starts on Reserve PUP and comes back midseason. Fourth, Watson reads like a precautionary hold out. Fifth, we have yet to truly see how Mills can help the team; he probably is suffering from the press of new receiver's from this off-season being someone who would be low on the totem pole for Tommy time. Sixth, Heath, Russ, Wesley, and Vrabes have all worked at TE in practice of actual games. Seventh, if Elgin is as strong in space as Breer reports, he's another who could work in some at TE as a blocker, not to mention Oldenburg playing Div-1A TE at CO State.

TE was, and in some ways still is, a deep position for this team if you think beyond the traditional in-line TE. You can still have a pass or run play from a 3 wide, single back formation using either Brady or Watson (the two most likely to be there to start the season) without telegraphing the call. You can still have a two TE "heavy" formation using Brady and a reserve OL for run plays, and also switch up the defense with a pass keeping the OL in to block and using Maroney or Faulk or Morris or Evans as a receiver; and using Watson in place of the OL doesn't telegraph run or pass anymore than using the OL does. We have yet to play a preseason game and have guys get lit up by some kid trying to make his club, let's wait and see who's still standing at the end of the day.

 

[PatsFanInVa]

So you say, Box. But I have it on super top secret sources that Mills and Thomas were caught dogfighting over a stripper, and Kranchik shot a lifeguard in the ass in a bizarre beach drug deal gone bad.

I also have a gut feeling.

If you guys don't know I'm being a jackass by now, take your earnest buttocks over to a Colts board, you just don't belong.

PFnV

 

[Pats726]

First, just because Kranchick is getting second guessed by observers doesn't mean he's that far off from what the Coaches expect from him - BB may want a more well-rounded player, but he'll still work to use any player's strengths. Second, Kyle Brady was reported out running routes with Donte under Trainer supervision a couple days ago, he's getting both the injury rehab time and the old farts extended service life program from what I'm reading. Third, Dave Thomas is losing valuable time, but he's also shown he can get the job done in all phases of his assignments - worse case based on what we now know, he starts on Reserve PUP and comes back midseason. Fourth, Watson reads like a precautionary hold out. Fifth, we have yet to truly see how Mills can help the team; he probably is suffering from the press of new receiver's from this off-season being someone who would be low on the totem pole for Tommy time. Sixth, Heath, Russ, Wesley, and Vrabes have all worked at TE in practice of actual games. Seventh, if Elgin is as strong in space as Breer reports, he's another who could work in some at TE as a blocker, not to mention Oldenburg playing Div-1A TE at CO State.

TE was, and in some ways still is, a deep position for this team if you think beyond the traditional in-line TE. You can still have a pass or run play from a 3 wide, single back formation using either Brady or Watson (the two most likely to be there to start the season) without telegraphing the call. You can still have a two TE "heavy" formation using Brady and a reserve OL for run plays, and also switch up the defense with a pass keeping the OL in to block and using Maroney or Faulk or Morris or Evans as a receiver; and using Watson in place of the OL doesn't telegraph run or pass anymore than using the OL does. We have yet to play a preseason game and have guys get lit up by some kid trying to make his club, let's wait and see who's still standing at the end of the day.

I agree it has been one of depth..even now. I know Kranchick is young..but now, he might be the one tight end ON the field...a real possibility..maybe a shadow roster player. As for KBrady..I understand his age and such, but I still think he needs time with the offense. It's NOT like he's been around and knows all the plays etc. (He's more of a concern really than Watson.) Thomas probably will be PUPed; he's young and I think a true receiving TE; will be clutch! yes..I agree precautionary..I am not THAT worried about him. Mills is practicing and from what reiss says not looking th best..OK rusty. He needs time. And yes..all of those players can be the 3rd tight end in special situations; goal line etc. True. Elgin might be a blocker at TE..a bit short, but he or Oldenburg might suffice in time. (If either make the 53..which is only possible now..NOT probable.) ALL true and yet..seems think on paper with Watson, Thomas, Brady all out; Mills returning from being out.
Good post though..injuries finjeries..why worry.

 

[patsox23]

This is a non-issue, IMO. They'll be fine. It's extremely early.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I agree it has been one of depth..even now. I know Kranchick is young..but now, he might be the one tight end ON the field...a real possibility..maybe a shadow roster player. As for KBrady..I understand his age and such, but I still think he needs time with the offense. It's NOT like he's been around and knows all the plays etc. (He's more of a concern really than Watson.) Thomas probably will be PUPed; he's young and I think a true receiving TE; will be clutch! yes..I agree precautionary..I am not THAT worried about him. Mills is practicing and from what reiss says not looking th best..OK rusty. He needs time. And yes..all of those players can be the 3rd tight end in special situations; goal line etc. True. Elgin might be a blocker at TE..a bit short, but he or Oldenburg might suffice in time. (If either make the 53..which is only possible now..NOT probable.) ALL true and yet..seems think on paper with Watson, Thomas, Brady all out; Mills returning from being out.
Good post though..injuries finjeries..why worry.

Stan! Elgin at 6'4" is too short? Put your hands on your head and step away from the Felger channel before 6'3" Daniel Graham stops back in his spiffy new orange dirt sucker uniform.

I try not to worry a great deal about BB's ability to pull a team together and come up with alternative ways to overcome injury, especially this time of year. If I'd known there were 15 flu cases last January I might have been more nervous going into Indy, luckily BB saved me some emotional turmoil before the game. I can't help thinking that team overachieved, the 2001 team overachieved, 2003 did okay after a rough start, 2002 even started getting their socks on the right hands by the end of the season, and for all it's composure collapse at the end, the 2005 team did a heck of a job overcoming adversity to get to Denver. Bottom line, this team has to have players on the field with IVs before they get me truly worried.

 

[Pats726]

Stan! Elgin at 6'4" is too short? Put your hands on your head and step away from the Felger channel before 6'3" Daniel Graham stops back in his spiffy new orange dirt sucker uniform. .

For some reason I though Elgin was shorter...my bad..no at 6'4" he'll be doing fine..must be the humidity today...

I try not to worry a great deal about BB's ability to pull a team together and come up with alternative ways to overcome injury, especially this time of year. If I'd known there were 15 flu cases last January I might have been more nervous going into Indy, luckily BB saved me some emotional turmoil before the game. I can't help thinking that team overachieved, the 2001 team overachieved, 2003 did okay after a rough start, 2002 even started getting their socks on the right hands by the end of the season, and for all it's composure collapse at the end, the 2005 team did a heck of a job overcoming adversity to get to Denver. Bottom line, this team has to have players on the field with IVs before they get me truly worried.

You are quite right...I was not pushing the panic button..but just speaking of a slight concern..as I said when is it time to get concerned?? (worried?...not now..) And as I said in another post in another thread..IF they thought it was a concern, they'd have a body into camp ASAP. No..I agree they have done a phenomonal job overachieving..I think BB's best job was 05 with the TON of injuries. OK..I'll do a lap...or two...

 

[JoeSixPat]

If this was last season, when we were absolutely dependent on TE contributing big time in offensive production, you might have reason to worry, though I would prefer to see Watson and Thomas get their reps.

But in the worst case scenario, we put a WR out at the TE position and no one notices a dropoff

Blocking is a different matter, but again Brady doesn't need a lot of practice time blocking - its just important that he's healthy enough to get the job done.

 

[psychoPat]

Going to spare myself worrying about tight ends until
... Seymour is activated.

 

[mgteich]

Mills is a pass-catching TE. And let's not forget our backup blocking TE: Hochstein.

Seriously, this is a non-issue. At least three of the top TE's will be on the starting 53, 100% healthy, or not.

 

[Phokus]

TE is a luxury position. I wouldn't be concerned.

 

[WhiZa]

We can just carry more WRs :rocker:

 

[patsox23]

Long term it will not be a problem, but for the next few weeks it will be.

Don't think so. Worst-case, bring in a warm body, but this is much ado about nothing, IMO.