Patriots at full strength against Cardinals

The Patriots apparently had everyone back at practice today with no one sitting out due to injury. Somethings very newsworthy in the physical sport of the NFL.

Most significant was the return of Dan Connolly, who has taken the place of Brian Waters as the right guard. Connolly suffered a head injury in the game against the Titans, and while concussion tests were negative he did not practice yesterday.

With the Pats so thin on the offensive line, Connolly's absence would have likely been felt against the Cardinals who's strength lies in their defensive front seven.

Another notable return to full pads was last year's second round pick Shane Vereen, who has missed practice ever since sustaining an injury early in the Tampa Bay preseason game back on August 24th. Vereen will likely take some playing time away for Steven Ridley. Even though Ridley was so impressive in Week 1, the Patriots probably want to give him a spell at times with his health and durability in mind.

In a way, this is a make or break year for Vereen - who has shown flashes of being a good player.

Provided no one is injured in practice tomorrow, the Patriots will be at full strength for Sunday's game against Arizona. That will likely be the only time all year we could say that.