On holdout, Kraft holds out hope

FOXBOROUGH -- Patriots owner Robert Kraft said he favors an optimistic viewpoint, and because of that, he's hoping that wide receiver Deion Branch will rejoin his team.

"We'll know the answer to that within three days," Kraft said last night prior to the team's annual Kickoff Gala at Gillette Stadium.

``Like all the fans, I appreciate and think Deion is very special. But we have to let things work their way out and we'll see what happens come Friday."

The Patriots gave Branch a Friday deadline for negotiating with other teams. Kraft's tone hinted that the Patriots wanted some closure on the situation by Friday, so the team can prepare for the season without this potential distraction.

Kraft called Branch's situation a ``complicated subject" that he has confidence coach Bill Belichick and vice president of player personnel Scott Pioli will work out. Kraft said he's been aware of each step of the process.

"We have a pretty good system in place," he said. "We've always discussed things and we have managers we trust. Both Bill and Scott have done an excellent job. I think our performance speaks for itself.

"There are a lot of ups and downs along the way that you can't predict and we have to be there as a unit standing together. I think we've done a pretty good job doing that."

As for Patriots' on-field performance, Kraft isn't getting swept up by their last two exhibition games, which they won by a cumulative 71-3.

``The facts are that none of us really know what's going to happen, because injuries are such a big factor in this game," he said. ``I think our schedule last year was pretty complicated right out of the box.

``But all things being balanced, I'm really excited. I like this team a lot. I hope these last two preseason games were indicative of what's going to happen during the regular season, but we all know that other teams are restrained during the preseason."

Kraft added that there's ``a strong possibility" the Patriots will play an exhibition game in China next year.

``China is one of the fastest-growing countries in the world, an exciting place," he said.

``For us to keep this game vibrant and fresh, we're going to have to develop a fan base outside of America. I think the economics of that country are pretty strong, and we have to go wherever our game could be appreciated."

Kraft welcomed Patriots players, coaches, and fans at last night's gala, which benefited the team's charitable foundation.

Linebacker Tedy Bruschi was present, wearing a blue brace over his injured right thumb/wrist as he signed autographs. Bruschi told a small group of reporters that he would speak with them next week.

When the Patriots were being ravaged by injuries at cornerback the last two seasons, they had Hank Poteat on speed dial. Each season, Poteat helped fill the void, playing in all three 2004 playoff games (including the Super Bowl) and in 12 games last year.

But Poteat, who turns 29 today, won't be opening the 2006 season with the Patriots. He was one of six cuts yesterday, moves the team made to comply with the league's 75-player roster limit.

``He's a great kid, a good player to coach," Belichick said. ``He made some big plays for us, played in some big games. We just felt like there were some players ahead of him."

The other cuts were rookie inside linebacker Freddie Roach, first-year receivers Rich Musinski and Keron Henry, first-year offensive lineman Nick Steitz, and rookie offensive lineman Brian Barthelmes.

Roach was paid a $15,000 signing bonus after the draft, which is rich for a rookie free agent. After playing in the preseason opener against the Falcons, he never took the field again. Belichick said the move to part with Roach was unrelated to health, and simply a result of other players being ahead of him.

In addition, NFL Europe players Raymond Ventrone (safety), Earl Charles (running back), and Zuriel Smith (receiver) were removed from the active roster and placed on a reserve list.

Tom Brady took his second day off in a row, increasing the likelihood that he will play sparingly -- or perhaps not at all -- in tomorrow night's preseason finale against the Giants. Rookie running back Laurence Maroney also missed his second straight day, and receivers Reche Caldwell and Chad Jackson and safety Tebucky Jones were among those not present. With Jones sidelined by a right hamstring injury, first-year cornerback Antwain Spann is expected to get extensive special teams duties tomorrow night. ``This is an important opportunity for me, I get a chance to try to establish a position on the team," said the 6-foot, 190-pound Spann, who was a long shot to make the 53-man roster.

Belichick said there is no predetermined plan on how carries will be divided among the running backs. Through three exhibition games, Corey Dillon has 20 carries and Maroney 19. Kevin Faulk has chipped in with eight. While some teams rely on one player to be their workhorse, Belichick likes a multipronged approach. ``You better have someone else," he said. ``It's a tough position to play. Those guys take a lot of hits. There's a lot riding on their shoulders depending on how many times they're carrying it." . . . Pleased with Otis Smith's work as part of the NFL's minority coaching program in training camp, Belichick has decided to keep him around for the entire season. Smith, a defensive back who played for the Patriots in 1996 and from 2000-02, has been working primarily with defensive backs.

Offensive tackle Nick Kaczur, who returned to practice last week but didn't play against the Redskins, said he hasn't experienced a setback in his shoulder. ``It's part of the schedule," said Kaczur, who was back on the practice field yesterday . . . Outside linebacker Chad Brown hasn't practiced or played since injuring his left hand Aug. 3, and said he'll have to wear a brace or cast over the hand when he returns. He doesn't expect it to be a problem. ``Within a short period of time, you can get used to whatever type of casting or bracing they put on it, and you roll with it," he said . . . The Bills named J.P. Losman their starting quarterback for their Sept. 10 season opener. Until yesterday, the Patriots had to consider the possibility of facing Losman, Kelly Holcomb, or Craig Nall.

REISS'S PIECES For the latest developments from Patriots camp, go to www.boston.com/sports.