Patriots host OG Simmons on workout

I think you're correct, Mike. BB's "speed dial" roster of good veterans is probably one of the best in the NFL. If this has any implications WRT the upcoming roster cuts, it might be that the Pats are hedging their bets on keeping only rookie Ohrnberger as reserve guard and only 1st-year guy Wendell as backup center. With two really young players as critical backups, it makes tons of sense to know where the vets are and what kind of shape they're in just in case.

Of course, if he's healthy and wants a steady job this season, KC could probably take him. Seems to me that they're in need of some decent O-line help.

Hey SteelersFan, wherever you are, what's the story with this guy? Does he have any experience playing center?

Mike, your take on this one seems right on -- Simmons seems like a nice fall back option in case injuries hit. This would seemingly be an indication that Yates is probably on his way out. Yates is the type of player that would fit in nicely in KC or Denver. Also on Simmons, he is the type of player you sign after Week 1 so his salary is not fully guaranteed for the season.

I doubt this guy is fully recovered from his achilles injury but will likely sign with some team by week seven....

I doubt he has fully recovered from his achilles injury... He will likely land with some team by week seven if his rehab is on track... BB probably wants to evaluate his progress....

there is never a final roster,or spot.when it comes to the pats,and BB.

Mark....
Simmons is steady but his strength is run blocking. He has a diabetis (can't spell) problem. His achillis wasn't has bad as you heard. He started for us for 7yrs.
I Know the Patriots pass alot and I don't know if he will reliable BUT he should be in good shape because he only started 1 game for us last year and never played a snap after that. So he just sat and watched. To answer your question....he has no experience at center...

Hey Mike,

I was going through a thread and we were talking about possible acquisition for the Pats, and a name popped up. What are the odds that the Patriots bring in Matt Jones for a workout? He is 26, has good speed, and he's a pretty good stiff armer. He would make a nice addition to the WR corps.

Steelers Fan,

Thanks for the input. Mark, same questions I was going to ask.

Hey Mark,

This is from somebody that knows. His achillis is was a total rupture but he is back 100 % . He worked out with a personal trainer althrough his rehab. He has been released by his doctor since May June time frame.
He played 4 games last season before his injury. The Baltimore game is when he was injured. I think he will be a good fit for the Pats.

KS is ready to play now. He has experience at center while at Auburn and taken snaps as emergency center while at Pittsburgh.
Not sure what the previous guy meant by achilles injury not as bad as you heard. It was a complete rupture in game 4 requiring major surgery. However, he is at 6'3" and 308 lbs and with a different workout regiman than in the past, footwork is back and power is still there. Kendall has worked his*** off in physical therapy to get ready and it will pay off for him and the Patriots.

ORIGINAL GANGSTA Simmons

Fred..... He was ready to play in week 12 But Tomlin didn't want him back not because achillis because his diabetis problem. Fred, he did not play in 4 games, He started the 1st game and never played after that. Stapleton started 15 games, since week 2..get your facts straight...

sign him up. this guy is good, and the more offensive linemen you have the better. stephen neal is an injury waiting to happen. if we have simmons waiting in the wings, there is no dropoff.

A tribute to MikeR's blog that we have - uh - "competing" information re: 2nd tier Steelers personnel.

Steelers Fan might be a little rough on Fred, but he did open his comments with "This is from someone who knows". Rarely a good idea, even if you're essentially accurate...