Three years ago the little-known career backup, Matt Cassel, stepped in after the injury to a future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Three years ago, it was Cassel who led the Patriots to an 11-5 record — including an undefeated December.

Three years ago, it was Cassel who became a fan favorite in New England after his 3,693 yard and 21 touchdown performance.

So, naturally the mood would be light on Monday night when Cassel and his Chiefs travel to Foxborough. Cassel’s first appearance at Gillette Stadium, since a Dec. 21, 2008 47-7 win over Arizona.

Continue reading Not So Happy Reunion: Matt Cassel Out Against the Patriots »

Just like that, he’s out.

Ian Rapoport, of the Boston Herald, reports that defensive tackle Albert Hayneswoth has been released from the Patriots.

After joining the Patriots in July following an uneventful two year stint in Washington, Hayesworth managed just three tackles in six games this season.

In the Patriots 24-20 loss to the Giants, Haynesworth took part in a shouting match with defensive line coach Pepper Johnson. Hayesworth did not return to the field after the incident. Continue reading BIG Waste: Patriots Waive DT Albert Haynesworth »

A fan accidentally shot himself in the Gillette Stadium parking lot before the Patriots-Giants game on Sunday.

The 50-year-old man was in his vehicle with his wife at around 3:15 p.m. when his gun accidentally discharged. He was allegedly attempting to empty the chamber of his gun, which was licensed.

The fan suffered a wound to his leg and was taken to a local hospital. He was expected to be released Sunday night. Continue reading Fan Shoots Self Outside Gillette Stadium Before Patriots Game »

UPDATE (3:06 p.m. ET): ESPN’s Adam Schefter offers a different spin to Bradshaw’s injury:

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That vulnerable Patriots defense can exhale a little bit.

The Star-Ledger is reporting that New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw is out indefinitely after suffering a cracked bone in his foot during the Giants 20-17 win over Miami last week.

Bradshaw leads the Giants with 111 rushing attempts for 440 yards on the season. With his injury, the Giants will turn to Brandon Jacobs.

Continue reading Report: Giants RB Ahmad Bradshaw May Be Out Against Patriots »

UPDATE (5:12 p.m. ET): Edelman’s agent Don Yee issued a statement about the incident:

“The charges will be fought vigorously within the court system, instead of a rush to judgment elsewhere,” Yee said. “We have no further comment beyond that.”

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New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman was arrested and charged with battery and indecent assault, after an incident at a Back Bay nightclub Tuesday morning.

The Boston Globe reports that Edelman was arraigned in Boston Municipal Court and released this morning.

Patriots coach Bill Belichick said on his Tuesday conference call that there isn’t enough information to comment.

The Boston Globe cited a report they obtained by Boston Police, saying that Edelman allegedly reached underneath the woman’s Halloween costume and groped her between her legs.

Continue reading Patriots WR Julian Edelman Arrested on Battery Charge »

The New England Patriots were blitzed early and often on Sunday, falling 25-17 to the Pittsburgh Steelers to fall to 5-2 on the year at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pa.

Offensive Showing

The Patriots offensive was ineffective all afternoon. Pittsburgh pressured the New England signal caller and bottled up the Patriots’ rushing attack in the Steelers’ victory. Tom Brady passed for just 198 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Brady connected on a second-quarter strike to Deion Branch and fourth-quarter TD to Aaron Hernandez.

The ground game tallied only 43 yards on 12 total carries, with Kevin Faulk leading the team with 32 yards in his first action of the season.

Continue reading Brady, Offense Stymied by Steelers in 25-17 loss »

Players arrived to Gillette Stadium, as the team practiced for the first time Tuesday following the bye week.

For one player, it was his first practice of his career with the Patriots.

Marcus Cannon, the Patriots fifth round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, was out on the field with the rest of his Patriots teammates Tuesday. Cannon is currently on the reserve/non-football injury list and the Patriots have three weeks to either activate him to the 53-man roster or place him on injured reserve.

Continue reading Patriots Tackle Marcus Cannon Practices for First Time »