Troy

Brown

The loss of Deion Branch, Ben Watson, and Kevin Faulk could lead to a big role for Brown. The veteran, who caught 97 passes in 2002, is finally recovered from a knee injury that bothered him early in the year.

He left the field during last Saturday night’s game clutching his knee. With Bethel Johnson and David Givens banged-up, the Patriots receiver group suddenly looks thin.

He’s wearing a knee brace and is limited, but it sounds like the injury isn’t too serious.

When asked Tuesday about Brown’s status, coach Bill Belichick said, “I feel good about Troy. I feel good about him, let’s leave it at that.”

Brown is struggling with a knee injury. His status for week one is unknown, but he’s no longer a fantasy option anyway.

Coach Bill Belichick wouldn’t specify the nature or severity of Brown’s injury. It’s probably not too serious, but it can be hard to tell with the Pats.

“I feel good about Troy,’' coach Bill Belichick said. “I feel good about him. Let’s leave it at that.’' The coach went on to say that Brown is day-to-day.

Brown has been questionable all year, but has barely played. We don’t expect to see him on the field this week.

''I’m not sure who is speaking for me, but it’s not the way I’m thinking,’' he said. ''You’ll never hear those words come out of my mouth.’' Brown still is unlikely to play much defense next season. His possible role with the team is uncertain.

This actually lowers his cap hit by a million and guarantees Brown will be with the team again in 2004. It will be interesting to see if the Pats return Brown to a starting role or bring him off the bench in support of David Givens and Deion Branch. Either way, his days as a fantasy impact player with upside look over.