Dalton Keene
New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones looks for an opening from the pocket while performing field drills during an NFL football practice, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots released quarterback Cam Newton on Tuesday, Aug. 31, clearing the way for rookie Mac Jones to open the season as New England's quarterback, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the decision has not been announced. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Jonnu Smith, Henry ready to help QB Jones in opener for Pats

Sep. 06, 2021 08:40 PM EDT

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry walks onto the field during an NFL football practice, Saturday, July 31, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
Belichick: TE Hunter Henry day-to-day after recent injury

By Kyle Hightower Aug. 10, 2021 05:11 PM EDT

New England Patriots players warm up at Gillette Stadium during an NFL football practice, Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Elise Amendola)
Pats' vet Slater changing with the times to remain effective

By Glen Farley Aug. 08, 2021 08:32 PM EDT

New England Patriots tight end Jonnu Smith, right, catches the ball while performing a field drill as tight end Hunter Henry (85) looks on during an NFL football practice, Wednesday, July 28, 2021, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
Back on field, Smith eyeing possibilities for Patriots TEs

By Kyle Hightower Jul. 28, 2021 03:55 PM EDT

FILE - New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) smiles during NFL football practice in Foxborough, Mass., in this Friday, June 4, 2021, file photo. Cam Newton will enter Patriots training camp as New England’s starting quarterback. Coach Bill Belichick made that clear multiple times this offseason. But the coach says, that like all positions, who has the job at the end of camp is an open question as the Patriots prepare to open their second camp since Tom Brady's departure. (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File)
'Clean slate' in QB competition as Pats open training camp

By Kyle Hightower Jul. 27, 2021 03:09 PM EDT

FILE - In this Oct. 18, 2020, file photo, New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore stands along the sideline during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Foxborough, Mass. Gilmore has reported to the team for training camp but will start it on the physically unable to perform list. Gilmore was one of eight Patriots players added to the list ahead of the official start of camp next week (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)
Pats' Gilmore, 7 others will start training camp on PUP list

By Kyle Hightower Jul. 22, 2021 06:15 PM EDT

FILE - Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a touchdown catch against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, in this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, file photo. The Patriots have agreed to sign free agent tight end Jonnu Smith in their biggest move to date to fill the void created by the departure of Rob Gronkowski. Smith, who was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 draft, agreed Monday, March 15, 2021, to a four-year, $50 million deal, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, FIle)
New Pats TE Jonnu Smith eyeing 'fresh start on the journey'

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 23, 2021 02:58 PM EDT

FILE - Tennessee Titans tight end Jonnu Smith (81) makes a touchdown catch against Baltimore Ravens cornerback Brandon Carr (39) during the first half an NFL divisional playoff football game in Baltimore, in this Saturday, Jan. 11, 2020, file photo. The Patriots have agreed to sign free agent tight end Jonnu Smith in their biggest move to date to fill the void created by the departure of Rob Gronkowski. Smith, who was selected by the Titans in the third round of the 2017 draft, agreed Monday, March 15, 2021, to a four-year, $50 million deal, his agent Drew Rosenhaus told The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, FIle)
Pats add Jonnu Smith in 1st big upgrade since Gronk's exit

By Kyle Hightower Mar. 15, 2021 02:36 PM EDT

New England Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) attempts to stop Miami Dolphins wide receiver Mack Hollins (86), during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins 12/20/2020

Dec. 20, 2020 01:50 PM EST

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton (1) celebrates after scoring during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Patriots still chasing playoffs coming off dominant win

By Kyle Hightower Dec. 07, 2020 06:04 PM EST

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
Jets' Darnold, Williams officially out vs. Patriots

Nov. 09, 2020 07:16 PM EST

Green Bay Packers' Mason Crosby warms up before an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Broncos clear RB Lindsay in return from concussion

By The Associated Press Nov. 01, 2020 12:43 PM EST

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020, in Nashville, Tenn. Henry scored two touchdowns as the Titans won 42-16. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Tampa Bay's Godwin, Green Bay's Adams return from injuries

By The Associated Press Oct. 18, 2020 12:32 PM EDT

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) makes the catch aganst Seattle Seahawks cornerback Shaquill Griffin (26) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Lions WR Golladay makes 2020 debut; Bucs' Godwin also active

By The Associated Press Sep. 27, 2020 12:44 PM EDT

No. 3 draft pick Jeff Okudah among Sunday's inactive players

By The Associated Press Sep. 13, 2020 12:54 PM EDT
The Detroit Lions are without rookie cornerback Jeff Okudah, the third overall pick in the NFL draft, for their opener against the Chicago Bears. ...

Patriots sign former Virginia Tech TE Dalton Keene

Boston May. 15, 2020 06:42 PM EDT
The Patriots have signed tight end Dalton Keene, leaving only one member of their 2020 draft class unsigned. Keene, a third-round pick out...

Patriots sign 4 additional members of draft class

May. 08, 2020 06:46 PM EDT
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — The New England Patriots have signed four additional members of their 2020 draft class. New England announced...

Lenoir-Rhyne defensive back Kyle Dugger speaks during a press conference at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/AJ Mast)
Pats select safety Dugger, Michigan LB Uche in busy Day 2

By Kyle Hightower Apr. 24, 2020 08:34 PM EDT