Tyler Gaffney:

In the Patriots system, the versatile guys, like Rex Burkhead, Shane Vereen, Dion Lewis, and Danny Woodhead all had success.

In a strange ending to a strange summer saw Tom Brady play the first half for the Patriots as they dropped their final preseason game 17-9 to the Giants

Tonight isn’t about the starters, although players like Tom Brady and Julian Edelman made the trip. Tonight is about the players on the bubble.

Here’s a look at this morning’s top stories for Monday August 29th, 2016.

The Patriots improved to 3-0 on the preseason for the first time since 2003, and after taking a quick look at Friday night’s game, here’s a quick look at eight players who definitely made an impression during New England’s 19-17 victory over Carolina.

The Patriots shined defensively in their 19-17 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 3 of the preseason. But, some of the defensive showing was credited to Cam Newton and the Panthers’ struggles.

“There are no dress rehearsals, we are professionals, this is the big time” Willie Nelson Had to use my favorite Willie Nelson quote in there, as we do every year […]

he’s missed nearly all of training camp with a lingering hamstring issue, Foster will have to make a big impression to make the team.

Just after he walked thru the locker room with no noticeable limp, it was learned that Patriots’ running back Dion Lewis will undergo “clean-up” surgery.

For the Patriots, now is the time to get things accomplished, the season opener is Arizona is only 24 days from today.

we know Bill Belichick likes a running back by committee, which tends to keep those fantasy numbers down but keeps their legs fresh.

Booker would be a perfect complement to the New England offense. A big, reliable back to get the tough yards inside and provide a target in the passing game

Howard has the proto-typical size of an NFL power back at 6’0, 230 and has a thick, powerful build. He has good vision and will follow his blockers to daylight and has decent lateral agility for a big man.

Jonathan Williams from Arkansas is a power back who fits the Patriots needs perfectly. Powerfully built at 5’11, 220, he has quick feet to avoid tacklers but is at his best when running north-south. Prior to his injury in August that caused him to miss the entire season, he had a very solid 2014 season. Running in the tough SEC, Williams averaged 91.5 yards per game and 5.6 yards per carry for the Razorbacks.

Given the injuries to the offensive line and then losing both starters (Dion Lewis, LaGarrette Blount) to IR during the season doomed the Pats running game in 2015. Truth be told, they ran the ball very poorly overall for most of the season and it was a major reason for their failure in the AFC Championship Game.