Mike

Wright

Wright missed six games and the playoffs with a 2010 concussion, so this is a big concern for the Pats. He led the team in sacks last season. Concussions can become increasingly severe when players are repeatedly concussed, so we wouldn’t expect Wright in the lineup for awhile. He certainly won’t play in Week 2.

Wright’s concussion symptoms never did subside after his latest in Week 1 of the 2011 season, and the Patriots placed him on I.R. four weeks later. He was released on February 22 after failing his physical. If Wright’s career is over, he’ll finish with 15 career sacks and 101 tackles in 81 games (22 starts).

Ohrnberger was actually waived and will be subject to the waivers process. Wright, 30, ended the last two seasons on injured reserve with concussions and is contemplating retirement. His release saves the Patriots $2.355 million in base salary. A once-valuable interior pass rusher, Wright led New England in sacks in 2010 with 5.5. He only made it into one game in 2011.

Wright is now a free agent, though Ohrnberger must pass through waivers. Wright ended the past two seasons on injured reserve following concussions, while Ohrnberger missed all of 2011 with a “head” injury. Wright is considering retirement, but Ohrnberger could draw some interest once he’s healthy.

Although he’s due just $2.35 million in 2012, Wright is almost certain to be cut loose after having each of his past two seasons cut short by concussions. Four months shy of his 30th birthday, Wright said in October he was contemplating retirement.

The Boston Herald’s Ian Rapoport suspects the Pats held out Hernandez and DTs Albert Haynesworth and Mike Wright Wednesday while waiting for Thursday’s padded practice. If that is indeed the case, then Hernandez is on track to play against the Jets this week. He averaged 4.5 catches and 76 yards against Rex Ryan’s defense in two regular-season games last year, but will be a risky fantasy play coming off the injury.

“It’s unfortunate, but at the same time a good thing that it wasn’t worse than what it is,” Wright said. “Talking with my doctor today and looking at MRIs, things can be so much worse than they are and I’m very, very, very fortunate to catch this where we’ve got it.” Entering an offseason where he will turn 30, Wright won’t make an official decision on his future until the 2011 season has ended.

It’s a horrible sign for a player who also missed the final two months of last season with lasting concussion symptoms, but the Patriots’ only choice was to play it conservatively. A valuable rotational tackle for the Pats, Wright’s NFL career is now in question with one season left on his contract.

Bill Belichick is a fan of the 342-pound Adams, who could help back up Vince Wilfork on the nose. An Adams signing might be bad news for Mike Wright.