NFL

A 2010 undrafted free agent, Haslam made three starts at left tackle last season because of Jared Gaither's disappearing act. He was ineffective in 294 snaps. Despite being a Rutgers product ' something coach Bill Belichick has grown increasingly fond of ' Haslam is a long-shot for the Patriots' final tackle spot.

Pats beat writers are unaware of the injury's extent or location, but Bolden did miss Weeks 7-8 with a knee injury last season. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound prospect rushed for 274 yards and two touchdowns on 56 carries as a rookie.

Spikes is entering the final year of his rookie contract, and he hasn't participated in the conditioning phase or OTAs. Spikes is a stud against the run, but needs to cut down on penalties. If Spikes does reach 2014 free agency, he'll be a hot item as a ferocious downhill run plugger at age 26.

Boyce broke a bone in his foot at the Combine and was forced to miss rookie minicamp. He's a field-stretching burner, and will compete for snaps at X receiver with fellow rookie Aaron Dobson and veteran Michael Jenkins.

Per Kraft, Gronk will be back "as soon as possible." Right now, "as soon as possible" appears to be mid-August. That's because Gronk is tentatively slated for "minor" back surgery sometime in the next 3-4 weeks. Like Robert Griffin III, Gronk's Week 1 status will be hard to accurately gauge before training camp.

Per reporter Field Yates, Fletcher wasn't showing "any signs of limitations." He missed all of 2012 with a torn ACL. He's returning as a reserve linebacker and special teamer.

According to ESPN Boston, Ballard wasn't showing any effects of his February 2012 ACL tear, and participated in the "majority of practice reps." Ballard won't be a factor in the Patriots' passing game if both Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez are healthy, but the Pats' top two tight ends are rarely 100 percent at the same time. Ballard posted a 38/604/4 line in 2011 for the Giants before missing all of 2012.