Patriots Notebook

Veteran Holt won’t catch on this year

Receiver placed on IR because of knee woes

Randy Moss has some fun with Bill Belichick during a light moment at practice. (Matthew J. Lee/Globe Staff)

By Monique Walker

Globe Staff / August 16, 2010

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FOXBOROUGH — The abundance of receivers in camp already had limited Torry Holt’s chances at earning a roster spot with the Patriots.

Yesterday the 11-year veteran ran out of chances. The Patriots placed Holt, who missed several practices last week and didn’t play in the exhibition win over New Orleans Thursday, on injured reserve because of a knee injury.

“He is disappointed,’’ said Holt’s agent, Kennard McGuire. “He looked forward to competing and playing with another great quarterback, and playing for one of the all-time great coaches.’’

McGuire added that Holt is expected to have surgery. Holt, 34, signed a one-year, $1.7 million deal in April that could have been considered an insurance policy as the Patriots waited to see how Wes Welker recovered from offseason knee and shoulder surgeries. Once Welker was activated from the physically unable to perform list, Holt’s chances of making the team may have dwindled.

Along with Welker and Randy Moss, the Patriots have second-year receivers Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate. Rookie Taylor Price has been in the mix along with Sam Aiken, who became more involved in the offense last season. In addition, Tom Brady has rookie tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski as options.

In the first week of training camp, Holt said competing for a supporting role was a unique experience, but a scenario he accepted. Holt said he was hoping to not only boost the offense but help mentor New England’s young receivers.

“From my first year in the league to now, I’ve always taken the approach that I have to go out and make the football team. I have to go out and prove and earn my starting spot,’’ Holt said.

Holt played 10 seasons with the Rams before signing with the Jaguars last season. From 2000-2009, Holt had league highs in receptions (868) and receiving yards (12,594).

Brady on target

All eyes were on Brady’s fingers yesterday after reports the quarterback may have injured them against the Saints. Brady had the fingers taped during the game and again during yesterday’s morning walkthrough. But he played through the afternoon practice without tape and didn’t appear to have any accuracy issues. Against New Orleans, Brady completed 5 of 8 passes for 67 yards and played through the first quarter, taking 17 snaps. If there is an issue, the Patriots likely wouldn’t comment until the first injury report is required in September. When coach Bill Belichick was asked if the situation was anything to be concerned about, he quipped, “I don’t think it’s life-threatening, no.’’

No news on Mankins

Yesterday was the deadline for the Patriots to send disgruntled guard Logan Mankins a letter informing him of their intent to put him on the roster exempt list. Asked about the deadline, Belichick said he was unsure of any dates and that he didn’t think the situation “affects any of our players.’’ Asked specifically about Mankins, Belichick offered only, “He’s not under contract.’’ . . . Safety Ross Ventrone, the younger brother of ex-Patriot Ray, was waived. The team signed offensive guard Brian Simmons, an undrafted rookie out of Oklahoma, and re-signed receiver Buddy Farnham, who was released Aug. 9. Simmons started at left guard in his senior season at Oklahoma . . . Rookie linebacker Jermaine Cunningham, offensive lineman Nick Kaczur, defensive lineman Damione Lewis, and defensive back Bret Lockett were not seen at the afternoon practice. Players who were not in pads but were working individually included Leigh Bodden, Gary Guyton, Dane Fletcher, George Bussey, and Terrence Johnson . . . The Patriots will hold their last public practice this morning at 10. The team will travel to Atlanta to participate in practices with the Falcons. The trip will conclude with a preseason game between the teams Thursday night.

Shalise Manza Young of the Globe staff contributed to this report.