Terrence

Wheatley

Wheatley was promoted from Buffalo’s practice squad early in the season, but had been a healthy scratch ever since. He was replaced by TE Mike Caussin.

The Patriots’ 2008 second-rounder will add depth with LCB Terrence McGee (hamstring) and rookie Aaron Williams (chest) unlikely to play this week.

A report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggested the sides agreed to separate, but the team has not ruled out re-signing the 35-year-old down the road. Though Springs still matches up well with physical receivers, he was shuffled in and out of the lineup last season. First-rounder Devin McCourty will battle Darius Butler, Terrence Wheatley, and Jonathan Wilhite for the starting job opposite Leigh Bodden.

The second-year corner appears to be fully recovered from November wrist surgery, but he’s been pushed down the depth by the signings of veterans Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden.

The Patriots are so thin at cornerback, don’t be surprised if Wheatley plays a huge role this season, possibly as a starter. The injury-prone ballhawk profiles as a similar prospect to Asante Samuel coming out of school. Wheatley will compete with Fernando Bryant, Jason Webster, and fellow rook Jonathan Wilhite for playing time, among others.

He’s not a huge name, but Bryant lined up as a starter throughout the off-season, so this is quite a surprise. The Patriots clearly have confidence in rookie corners Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite. It’s a huge gamble, but they may as well develop their young guys.

No surprises here. Watson was ruled out on Friday as he’s still struggling with his injured knee. David Thomas will start in his place.

Lewis Sanders started in Week 1. Rookie Terrence Wheatley was a healthy scratch Sunday. O’Neal had five tackles (all solo) in the win over the Jets, but the Pats could mix and match at the spot opposite Ellis Hobbs all season.

Ellis Hobbs isn’t participating in the rookie camp, so we wouldn’t read into this much. But Wheatley could have a chance to start right away. Jonathan Wilhite ran at right cornerback. Fernando Bryant is also in the mix to start.