PROVIDENCE -- Dane Fletcher didn't have to say a word; as soon as he walked into Providence's Hasbro Children's Hospital Thursday, it was obvious.
The cast is gone.
"We're good to go, baby!" He told reporters, lifting both arms triumphantly. "We're good. No worries there."
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Fletcher had at least two surgeries after injuring his right thumb during the 2011 preseason and was stuck in a hard cast for most of the year. The linebacker played in just 10 games (32 tackles) and started five. But it seems having an offseason to fully rest and recuperate has already made a difference.
"It's been good, progressing just like I wanted to. Just hope to continue there, enjoy my time a little bit back in Montana, and relax."
Just in time -- Patriots OTA's begin after the weekend.
"We're looking forward to getting it started back here on Monday, back with everybody," Fletcher said. "I'm looking forward to seeing a lot of the same faces, a lot of new faces, just getting to know everybody again, start from scratch."