There's a catch to his success

FOXBOROUGH -- Bringing in Reche Caldwell, even as a No. 2 receiver to Deion Branch, looked like an iffy proposition.

Caldwell never had more than 28 catches in a season and had an injury history that dogged him since he left the University of Florida to fanfare and great expectations.

Bringing in Caldwell as a No. 1 receiver, after the departure of Branch to Seattle, looked even more dicey.

But 10 games and eight starts into his Patriots career -- his most starts in a season -- Caldwell has become a receiving threat for New England, most recently with his wide-open 54-yard touchdown grab from Tom Brady in the Patriots' 35-0 blowout over the Packers last Sunday. His numbers have jumped to 35 catches for 405 yards, with six games to play.

Even with the statistics to justify his spot at the top of New England's receiving corps -- he stands second on the team in receptions to tight end Benjamin Watson (39) -- that hasn't been the most gratifying part of season. At least, not to him.

"Man, it's a blessing," Caldwell said. "It feels so good. People don't realize, I even enjoy practicing now, because I missed so much time away from football because I was hurt. I enjoy practicing and the games. It's fun. It's all fun again. Going to meetings and just being here for 10 games, being able to be a part of all 10 games and contribute. I enjoy it."

Having spent as much time on the trainer's table than in the film room for much of his first three seasons in the league -- after playing in every game his rookie season with the Chargers , he fractured his wrist during the 2003 season, then ended 2004 on injured reserve with a torn anterior cruciate ligament -- Caldwell couldn't find his place on the team, or at least not the place he wanted, when healthy in 2005.

"I was starting my second year, I got hurt. I was starting my third year, I got hurt," Caldwell said. "Then, when I came back my last year of my contract in San Diego, I didn't play much. The guys they had in front of me did a good job, so I really couldn't complain. I think I was good enough to play over there, do the things I'm doing here. I think my opportunity ran out."

So, after signing with the Patriots in the offseason ostensibly to replace David Givens, Caldwell said goodbye to his disappointing tenure in San Diego.

Not only has he developed a comfort level with Brady that, according to him, is growing by the day, Caldwell was reunited with former Florida teammate Jabar Gaffney, when Gaffney was signed Oct. 9. Gaffney, who has kept in touch with Caldwell since they left Gainesville, Fla., both taken in the second round of the 2002 draft, has seen a more mature friend this season. More film study, greater knowledge of his opponents and, most importantly, health.

"Knock on wood, he's going to make it through his first season healthy," Gaffney said. "He's showing he can do it. I always knew what he was capable of. If it wasn't for the injuries, I'm sure he would have been doing the same thing in San Diego."

But coming from San Diego, coming off his failure to thrive as a Charger, Caldwell said he couldn't have come into New England expecting to star. That wouldn't have been fair to the rest of the receivers. It wouldn't have been fair to him. He said he just wanted to compete, wanted to prove himself, starting with Brady and moving out from there.

Starting? That was just an abstract glimmer.

Because, despite 22 starts in 57 career games, even Caldwell wasn't sure how fast he could adapt to New England and the offense. He wasn't entirely sure he could stay healthy. But he's happy -- more than that, ecstatic -- that he has.

"It was always something over there [San Diego]," Caldwell said. "I always was hurt for some reason. Now I just go out here and, God willing, just stay healthy and continue to get better each day.

"I'm fortunate. I'm happy with it, being able to play with one of the top teams in the league and probably the best quarterback in the NFL. It's just a blessing. I couldn't have asked for much more."

Amalie Benjamin can be reached at abenjamin@globe.com.