Patriots Blog: Kevin Faulk's Value
FOXBORO (CBS) - Kevin Faulk is back on the practice field for the New England Patriots and the next question will be when and where can he fit in?
The Pats have done well in their back field, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis turning into the go-to guy. But even he realizes the value of having a Kevin Faulk around.
"It's always fun to see an old face back out there," the 26-year-old Green-Ellis said.
The Patriots no longer have Sammy Morris, and at 35, Faulk may not have much run left in those legs. But just having the veteran around makes Green-Ellis feel comfortable.
Read: Gronk Apologizes For Bye Week Photos
"Most of the guys I came in with aren't here any more. Obviously, we can't replace his veteran leadership, and some of the things he's learned playing 13 years. It's always good to get those little pointers and things like that."
"It's fun to have Kevin back out there," Green-Ellis added.
Big Ben Talks Big Vince
In Wednesday's conference call with the Patriots media, Steelers quarter Ben Roethlisberger gave praise to one of the guys that will be looking to take him down come Sunday: Pats defensive tackle Vince Wilfork.
"The big guy in the middle, he never seems to leave the field," Roethlisberger said. "But he makes plays in the run game and [chuckling] he's even making plays in the passing game now."
Read: Dan Koppen Pays A Visit
Wilfork has two interceptions this season, and if he hauls in another on Sunday, I doubt Big Ben will be laughing.
But Roethlisberger understands Vince's dominance in the Patriots defense. He may be the one player that is involved on every down, and that shows Wilfork's versatility.
"You definitely have to be aware [of where Wilfork is]," said Roethlisberger. "He's a heck of a job for our center and guard, but he seems to move around. I even saw him rush off the edge one time, I think against Oakland... he rushed on the tackle. So, whoever is against him, he's one of the premier guys in this league. I gotta be aware of where is in the passing game as well now."
First Practice Report
For the second straight day, Dane Fletcher was the only player not on the field for Patriots practice. The linebacker is listed with a thumb injury.
Seven players were limited on Wednesday:
Josh Barrett (thumb), Leigh Bodden (thumb), Ras-I Dowling (hip), BenJarvis Green-Ellis (toe), Albert Haynesworth (back), Jerod Mayo (knee), and Sebastian Vollmer (back)
Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
Mayo and Vollmer will be the ones to keep an eye on this week. Mayo could make his return from an MCL injury, and Vollmer could play in just his second game of the season.
But only time will tell...
Tune in to the Patriots-Steelers on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV on Sunday at 4:15pm. Pregame coverage begins Sunday morning at 11:30am on WBZ with Patriots Gameday, with coverage on The Sports Hub kicking off at 1pm. After the game, tune in to the Patriots Postgame show on 98.5 and Patriots Fifth Quarter on MY TV38.
