New England Patriots

Updating previous reports, New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez has not been ruled out as a suspect in the homicide case, and he is not cooperating, according to a law enforcement source. Huddle Up: With Rob Gronkowski already in danger of missing the start of the regular season, this was to be Hernandez's opportunity to shine. Instead, it looks as if he'll spend the rest of the offseason entangled in this legal mess--and that's a best-case scenario. Suddenly the Patriots' pick-up of Jake Ballard last offseason is looking like a shrewd move.

NORTH ATTLEBOROUGH, Mass. — State police returned to the home of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Wednesday, two days after a body was found about a mile away.Two troopers knocked on the door of Hernandez's sprawling house in an upscale subdivision Wednesday morning, but no one answered. The night before, police spent hours there as another group of officers searched an industrial park where the body was found Monday. No more details about the body have been released.

Aaron Hernandez Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez has not been ruled out as a suspect in the North Attleboro homicide investigation, according to a report from WBZ. The report credits a law enforcement source as saying Hernandez has not been cooperating with investigators, who were back at Hernandez’ North Attleboro home Wednesday morning but left when no one answered the door. Hernandez was spotted driving away from the home earlier. The body of a 27-year-old man was found by a jogger Monday in an industrial park near Hernandez’ home. The man was identified by his family Wednesday as Odin Lloyd, a Dorchester resident who was a linebacker for the semi-pro Boston Bandits football team. According to multiple reports, Hernandez was tied to the case by a rental car under his name that had been found near the scene. UPDATE, 12:22 p.m.: WBZ reports that the victim dated the sister of Hernandez’ girlfriend, according to Lloyd’s family.

We know Tuesday’s surgery on Rob Gronkowski's back went “well,” but what exactly does that mean? And when can we expect to see Gronk back on the field? ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke it down for us on Wednesday’s SportsCenter: “The Patriots knew he was going to have to have this surgery and the plan was for Gronkowski to have it after the season. But then there were the forearm problems [infection], and that led to four different surgeries on his forearm.

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports New England Patriots running back Stevan Ridley had a breakout year in 2012, but in some ways he snuck up on defenses. That will not be the case this year. If Ridley wants to repeat his production from last year, he’s going to have to be even better in 2013. The Patriots have had one of the best passing games in the league for the better part of the last decade. Tom Brady is the unequivocal leader of the team, but it was the emergence of a solid running game last year that gives the offense the chance to be even better. That new found dedication to running the ball led to Ridley putting up 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns, and that could be just the beginning for the young back. Last year, he both literally and figuratively snuck up on NFL defenses. Heading into the season, it wasn’t even clear that he was the number one back on the depth chart, an honor that could change from game to game for the Patriots in previous years. But it wasn’t just his spot in the lineup that was a surprise, so many of his carries were too. Ridley gained many of those 1,263 yards on plays in the Pats’ hurry up offense. The team would rush to the line, then when the other team couldn’t get set in time Brady would snap the ball, hand it off to Ridley, who would run downhill on a defense that wasn’t ready to stop him. He would have five to ten yards before they knew what hit them. But that won’t happen this year. This year defenses will know to prepare for Ridley and know to be on the lookout for his sneak attacks. This year he’s going to have to work much harder if he wants to replicate his success from 2012. And he’ll do that, and then some. Mainly because he’s entering his running back prime (I’m no statistician, but it would be cool to see if one could be made that would quantify the sweet spot between enough carries in a career to have experience, but not too many to wear a guy down), but also because the offense is morphing into a more running back friendly version of itself. Two out of the three best weapons the Patriots have had at their disposal on offense the past few years, tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, head into the year with injury concerns, and whether or not the team can count on them remains to be seen. Not to mention, that third weapon, receiver Wes Welker, is going to be catching passes from another future Hall of Fame quarterback in 2013. New England may end up having no choice but to go to the ground game more often this year, and that will only benefit Ridley and his stat line. But it’s not just Ridley who will benefit from an increase in his workload. One of the Patriots’ weaknesses the last few years has been protecting the leads late in games that their prolific offense generates early in them. Much of the blame for blowing these leads has gone to their defense, and some of that is warranted, but a way to take that pressure off the defense is to run the ball to secure the win. Running the ball late in games has the benefits off keeping the clock moving and avoiding negative plays like sacks and interceptions. The thing is, it only works if you have a back that can get you first downs. And not first downs when the defense isn’t set and thinks you’re going to pass, but first downs when they know the run is coming. And that’s the next step that Ridley needs to take to become a true factor back in the NFL. He needs to be able to pick up those tough first downs late in games when the defense knows it’s coming. And 2013 will be the year he does. Ridley is ready to build on his breakout season in 2012, with even more success in 2013. His role in the offense should increase with the loss of Welker and the injuries to Hernandez and Gronkowski, especially late in games when the team needs to secure a win. Look for Ridley to have another great year in New England. Ben Sullivan is an NFL writer for RantSports.com. Fo

TEAM TALK Patriots Hall of Fame Induction Ceremonies for Tedy Bruschi and Gil Santos Changed to July 29: Event is free and open to the public. Erik Scalavino tackles the Ask PFW mailbag:Ask PFW: Rookies, roster, and more Rookies, roster, and more. PFW In Progress - Recap of Patriots mini-camp and all the latest team news. (2 hour program.) LOCAL LINKS Karen Guregian reports Rob Gronkowski will stay out on the west coast following his back surgery before traveling back to continue his recovery and rehab. Field Yates reports that according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Rob Gronkowski's surgical procedure is believed to have gone "well". Shalise Manza Young posts the statement from Dr. Robert Watkins, the surgeon who operated on Rob Gronkowski on Tuesday. Mike Reiss shares some stats on Rob Gronkowski's impact with the team, and why they should be concerned if he isn't on the field. Field Yates identifies Ryan Wendell as a candidate for an extension prior to the expiration of his current contract. Mike Reiss answers his weekly reader mailbag, with many questioning how the Pats will manage Rob Gronkowski. O'Ryan Johnson and Karen Guregian report on Aaron Hernandez being questioned about the suspicious death of a man found less than a mile away. Travis Andersen and Jaclyn Reiss report that police searched the home of Aaron Hernandez, in connection to a body found in an industrial park near his home. David Linton and Stephen Peterson report investigators weren't saying what link Hernandez might have to the victim. Tom E. Curran says that for the always "brand-conscious" Patriots, Tuesday was really a bad day. Tom E. Curran reports the Patriots are aware of the Aaron Hernandez situation. NATIONAL NEWS James Walker (ESPN) A look at how the Patriots own first down. Pete Thamel and Greg Bedard (SI) Patriots' Hernandez questioned by police in homicide probe. Joe Fortenbaugh (Nat'l Football Post) Average a combined total of 50 rushing attempts and completions per game and a winning season will likely follow. Scott Kacsmar (Cold Hard Football Facts) The NFL's biggest overachievers and underachievers in 2012. Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) It's Patriots' Mt. Rushmore time. Mike Wilkening (ProFootballTalk) NFL merchandisers looking toward future.

A quick update on the Aaron Hernandez situation this morning from Pete Thamel and Greg Bedard of Sports Illustrated: Massachusetts State Police searched the home of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez on Tuesday night in connection with a possible homicide. A source with knowledge of the investigation said police spoke to Hernandez on Monday. About 10 police cars flanked Hernandez's home Tuesday night, with cops searching Hernandez's home for more than two hours. One detective was seen leaving the house with a cardboard box. Hernandez is not believed to be a murder suspect, according to a source, but a vehicle rented in his name has emerged as a key piece of evidence in the investigation. The Sun Chronicle of Attleboro, Mass., reported on Tuesday that police identified a rented 2013 Chevrolet Suburban with Rhode Island license plates in connection with the possible homicide. According to the paper, the vehicle is registered to Enterprise and investigators were hoping to analyze it for fingerprints. A source said Hernandez's name is tied to that rental vehicle. More to come as the situation continues to unfold.

Louisville middle linebacker Preston Brown (6’2″, 260) recorded 108 tackles in 2012. (Photo: US Presswire)NEPD Editor: Matthew JonesWith the 2013 NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to take a look forward to the 2014 NFL Draft class via a look at the top senior prospects available for each team in the American Athletic Conference. Be sure to check back in later this week, when more conferences will be detailed.CENTRAL FLORIDA KNIGHTS:WR #2 Jeff Godfrey, Central Florida (5’11”, 187)RG #63 Jordan McCray, Central Florida (6’4”, 309)DT #95 E.J. Dunston, Central Florida (6’2”, 309)CINCINNATI BEARCATS:QB #11 Brendon Kay, Cincinnati (6’4”, 233)WR #6 Anthony McClung, Cincinnati (6’1”, 172)LG #76 Austen Bujnoch, Cincinnati (6’5”, 285)RG #60 Sam Longo, Cincinnati (6’5”, 286)IB #51 Greg Blair, Cincinnati (6’2”, 252)CB #11 Deven Drane, Cincinnati (5’11”, 186)CONNECTICUT HUSKIES:LT #72 Jimmy Bennett, Connecticut (6’9”, 306)LG #69 Steve Greene, Connecticut (6’5”, 308)DT #59 Shamar Stephen, Cionnecticut (6’5”, 323)DE #91 Jesse Joseph, Connecticut (6’3”, 262)HOUSTON COUGARS:RB #5 Charles Sims, ex-Houston (6’0”, 215)WR #9 Dewayne Peace, ex-Houston (5’11”, 190)LG #64 Ty Cloud, Houston (6’4”, 314)OC #63 Kevin Forsch, Houston (6’3”, 307)CB #10 Zach McMillian, Houston (5’10”, 178)PK/PN #15 Richie Leone, Houston (6’3”, 215)LOUISVILLE CARDINALS:RB #32 Senorise Perry, Louisville (6’0″, 187)FB #44 B.J. Butler, Louisville (6’2”, 274)WR #7 Damian Copeland, Louisville (6’1”, 182)DT #93 Roy Philon, Louisville (6’3”, 291)RE #91 Marcus Smith, Louisville (6’3”, 252)MB #2 Preston Brown, Louisville (6’2”, 260)SS #29 Hakeem Smith, Louisville (6’1”, 179)MEMPHIS TIGERS:DT #59 Johnnie Farms, Memphis (6’2”, 300)SS #4 Lonnie Ballentine, Memphis (6’3″, 215)PN #43 Tom Hornsey, Memphis (6’3”, 195)RUTGERS SCARLET KNIGHTS:TE #89 Paul Carrezola, Rutgers (6’2”, 240)LG #75 Antwan Lowery, Rutgers (6’4”, 310)RE #92 Jamil Merrell, Rutgers (6’4”, 255)SB #37 Jamal Merrell, Rutgers (6’4”, 220)FS #18 Jeremy Deering, Rutgers (6’2”, 200)SOUTHERN METHODIST MUSTANGS:QB #11 Garrett Gilbert, Southern Methodist (6’4”, 220)WR #15 Jeremy Johnson, Southern Methodist (6’0”, 175)WB #5 Randall Joyner, Southern Methodist (5’10″, 228)CB #21 Kenneth Acker, Southern Methodist (6’0”, 195)SS #8 Jay Scott, Southern Methodist (6’1”, 210)SOUTH FLORIDA BULLS:RB #20 Marcus Shaw, South Florida (5’9”, 178)DT #92 Luke Sager, South Florida (6’3”, 275)DE #97 Ryne Giddins, South Florida (6’3”, 253)WB #34 Devekeyan “DeDe” Lattimore, South Florida (6’1”, 237)FS #26 Mark Joyce, South Florida (5’10”, 195)SS #30 JaQuez Jenkins, South Florida (6’2”, 190)TEMPLE OWLS:PN #15 Paul Layton, Temple (6’1”, 215)

There are myriad of updates on New England Patriots star tight end Rob Gronkowski contained in this piece, as I decided to consolidate three major newsbits regarding Gronkowski into one post. I usually don’t like covering the Gronk injury stuff too much, but it’s a whole lot better, in my eyes, than trying to guesswork my way through the Aaron Hernandez stuff. Quick comments poll, if you will, on Hernandez. Would you guys like to see us cover Hernandez’s current saga, should we just write an opinion piece or two about why knee-jerk reactions are bad, or should we just avoid it as a whole? Penny for your thoughts, please. New England Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports Rob Gronkowski underwent back surgery yesterday to solve chronic back pain, and these back issues are different from the ones that he suffered in college. Gronk was suffering through chronic back pain last season, and surgery always looked like the best option for him and the Patriots, even if it doesn’t sound like the best option. A loyal Musket Fire commenter spoke about his personal back disc issues, and it certainly does sound like a very painful thing that needed to get sorted out for Gronk’s long-term health. I have a feeling, too, that most Patriots fans are more concerned about Gronkowski’s multiple left forearm surgeries, as opposed to the chronic back issues. Question is, which one are the Patriots the most concerned about? You rarely ever hear about an athlete undergoing a “bad” surgery, but there is always the possibility of a setback. In fact, you know who did have a bad surgery this offseason? Yup, you guessed, it, Rob Gronkowski and that darned, stubborn infection. The good news is that both Adam Schefter and Pro Football Talk reported that the early indications are that Gronkowski’s back surgery was successful. The obvious news? Schefter also reported that Gronkowski will be placed on the PUP list to start training camp, and there is a chance that he ends up getting placed on the PUP list at the start of the regular season. This would mean that the New England Patriots would be without Rob Gronkowski for the first six weeks of the regular season, but I’m actually cool with it if it comes to that. Not only do I have confidence in Jake Ballard and the fact that Aaron Hernandez didn’t kill anyone (I’m more worried about Hernandez than Ballard, to be honest), but I also know that Gronk’s long-term health is paramount as is health for the postseason. Gronkowski could still be ready to return to the Patriots for Week 1 of the regular season, though, despite the back surgery. There’s still a long way to go until September, and the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Patriots are hoping for Rob Gronkowski to rejoin the team in time for Week 1 and still have hope that it will happen. A source told Rapoport that Gronkowski “could be ready for the season”, so that’s an encouraging reminder for us. Follow @SorianoJoe Follow @Musket_Fire

We've previously examined players that could be candidates for extensions prior to the expiration of their current contract, and three names that came to mind who will be free agents after the 2013 season are center Ryan Wendell, defensive end Rob Ninkovich and linebacker Brandon Spikes. As it relates to depth at their respective positions, the case could be made that Wendell is the top priority, as the Patriots have drafted both Dont'a Hightower and Jamie Collins at linebacker and Chandler Jones, Jake Bequette and Michael Buchanan at defensive end since 2012.