Hobbs had a second surgery
Patriots cornerback Ellis Hobbs, who had surgery in February to repair a torn labrum in his shoulder, underwent a second offseason surgery in March to address a sports hernia, according to a league source.
A sports hernia, which is a torn muscle in the groin, is typically caused by repetitive twisting and turning.
Hobbs is expected to be ready for training camp in late July.
Hobbs, who was beaten by Giants receiver Plaxico Burress for the winning touchdown in the Patriots' stunning 17-14 loss in Super Bowl XLII, has been working in the team's offseason program and is already jogging. Hobbs, entering his fourth season, played in the Super Bowl with both the torn labrum and the groin injury.
He had surgery to repair the labrum, which he injured Nov. 4 against the Colts, nine days after the Super Bowl. Originally, it was thought the groin injury, which flared up during the Patriots' 38-35 victory over the Giants in the regular-season finale Dec. 29, wouldn't require surgery.
The Patriots have protected themselves at corner in case Hobbs doesn't recover, signing veteran free agents Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, and Lewis Sanders, and selecting Terrence Wheatley (second round) and Jonathan Wilhite (fourth round) in last weekend's NFL draft.
Hall calls
Tight end Ben Coates, offensive lineman Jon Morris, and late running back Jim Nance are this year's finalists for induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame. Fan voting on Patriots.com, which officially began yesterday and will last two months, will determine the lone inductee for 2008.Coates played for the Patriots from 1991-99, appearing in 142 games. He was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1994-98, his 96-catch season in 1994 setting what was then a team record. Coates's 50 total touchdowns rank second in team history, his 490 receptions rank third, and his 5,471 receiving yards are fourth.
Morris, a center, appeared in 130 games for the Patriots from 1964-74. He earned seven consecutive American Football League All-Star appearances from 1964-70.
A powerful running back, Nance appeared in 94 games from 1965-71. His 45 rushing touchdowns remain a franchise record and his 5,323 rushing yards are second in team history. Nance was named AFL MVP in 1966 after leading the league with 1,458 rushing yards, the highest season total in the league's 10-year history and a mark that stood as a Patriots record for 20 years.
Rookie updates
The Patriots finalized the signings of rookie free agents who will be at the team's minicamp today. The group includes East Carolina offensive tackle Josh Coffman, Louisiana Tech defensive back Mark Dillard, Maryland defensive tackle Carlos Feliciano, Mississippi running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Georgia Tech linebacker Gary Guyton, Illinois defensive lineman Chris Norwell, Liberty outside linebacker Vince Redd, Texas A&M nose tackle Henry Smith, Virginia tight end Jonathan Stupar, Portland State defensive end Casey Tyler, and Fresno State center Ryan Wendell.Mike Reiss of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
