Shea Mcclellin:

The good news is that rookie edge player Deatrich Wise should be back to practice soon after the team returns from Houston.

But Ninkovich’s retirement leaves a void in experience, so who steps up in 2017 to fill the gap and provides the team with the pressure they’ll need?

Having Hightower back and healthy this summer was a huge plus for the team. I’d look for the Patriots to limit his reps this summer and in preseason

The 33-year old inside linebacker spent 10 very productive seasons with the Jets before being released recently in a salary cap dump.

Amendola has shown to be a tough, reliable wide receiver who while not putting up great numbers, saves his best for big plays at crunch time

Tom Brady received a nice check on Friday, his second bonus installment was due yesterday of the new deal he signed last spring. $14 million dollars.

Anderson performed well in the Crimson Tide’s defense logging 61 tackles including 19 for a loss along with 9 sacks in 2016.

In both Super Bowl LI and XLIX, Hightower made big plays at crunch time to allow the Patriots to escape with the victory.

The Patriots landed the uber-athletic Mingo for a 5th round draft pick during the end of August in 2016. Mingo was a former 1st round draft pick #6 overall

Best social media postings from the Patriots week 14 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The most immediate focus on Bill Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia… is how to breathe some life in what has been a moribund pass rush.

One thing about Belichick is that he doesn’t care what people think, doesn’t pay attention to the media and will put himself out there for criticism.

The Patriots will welcome back both QB Tom Brady and DE Rob Ninkovich on Monday. Two of the current members of the roster will have to be cut to make room

“These guys have got a couple months on me. It’s a challenge, but the guys here are really helping me come along, just get me ready to play.”

Rob Ninkovich can be excused if he’s feeling a little testy. It’s the first time he’s been injured as a member of the team.