Bill Belichick was once again in a conversational, relaxed mood at his Monday press conference. He even willingly gave out injury information.
Belichick revealed that Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski did not practice because of his high ankle sprain. This was expected after Florio’s report that Gronkowski likely won’t practice all week long.
Tackle Sebastian Vollmer did practice. He said Vollmer had a cast removed after the Broncos game and that he was close to playing against the the Ravens. It’s a “possibility” Vollmer will be active and play against the Giants.
Greg A. Bedard of the Boston Globe points out that Vollmer would be effective against Justin Tuck’s power game, while rookie Nate Solder does better against speed.
The Patriots practiced in full pads once again Monday. They were in full pads last Thursday as well. Our friend Tom Curran asked Belichick why they practiced in pads. Belichick said they thought that gave them the best chance to win.
Curran’s response: “That’s . . . solid logic.”
Okay, maybe Belichick wasn’t that relaxed.