The Pats signed Michael Harden (CB) to the practice squad today. Harden was originally drafted by the Seahawks and spent the entire 2004 season on the practice squad. He was later released by them at the end of the 2005 pre-season.

11 former players who played at least one year for the Patriots are on the NFL Hall of Fame preliminary eligibility list for enshrinement. Below is the list of the player's name, position, and years with the Pats.

Bruce Armstrong T 1987-2000 New England Patriots (First year of eligibility)

Ben Coates TE 1991-1999 New England Patriots, 2000 Baltimore Ravens First year of eligibility

Henry Ellard WR 1983-1993 Los Angeles Rams, 1994-1998 Washington Redskins, 1998 New England Patriots

Chuck Foreman RB 1973-1979 Minnesota Vikings, 1980 New England Patriots

Russ Francis TE 1975-1980, 1987-1988 New England Patriots, 1982-1987 San Francisco 49ers

Irving Fryar WR 1984-1992 New England Patriots, 1993-1995 Miami Dolphins, 1996-1998 Philadelphia Eagles, 1999-2000 Washington Redskins (First year of eligibility)

Nick Lowery K 1978 New England Patriots, 1980-1993 Kansas City Chiefs, 1994-1996 New York Jets

Fred Marion S 1982-1991 New England Patriots

Jim Plunkett QB 1971-1975 New England Patriots, 1976-1977 San Francisco 49ers, 1979-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders

Fred Smerlas NT 1979-1989 Buffalo Bills, 1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991-1992 New England Patriots

Andre Tippett LB 1982-1993 New England Patriots

Click HERE for the entire list.

Tedy Bruschi announced that he would return to practice at a press conference today. Below is his speech:

"Thank you all for coming. I think the first thing I should do is say thanks for your patience. I know I haven’t commented a lot on this. It’s been a long road to this but I appreciate your patience and your professionalism on how you handled my situation, especially the local media. I just want to say thank you for doing that. The organization from the coaches to the trainers, Mr. Kraft especially. The way that they have helped me get the best possible medical advice to make sure things were right and make sure it was possible for me to continue what I love doing. I want to thank them for that. I want to especially thank the people at Mass General who’ve been with me since day one. Dr. Greer has been huge for me. You got that statement from him. He was the physician that put his hand on my shoulder and said, ‘Tedy you’ve had a mild stroke.’ I said ‘what?’ [laughter]. He’s the guy that’s been with me. I want to thank him. The people at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital who helped me from day one on my rehabilitation to get back to walking right, seeing right and all that stuff. They really did a great job and I want to thank them. Jim Whalen the head trainer here with the New England Patriots. Joe Van Allen, Dave Granito and the training staff – they’re the best trainers in the league by far. I’ve only known them for so long but they’ve got to be the best for what they’ve done for me. Just helping me the way they have, they’ve been incredible. The strength staff – Mike Woicik, the way he’s helped me rehabilitate. My teammates – my teammates have been so supportive of me. My wife – my wife Heidi - she’s been by me ever since it started – since the 9-1-1 call. Her support has been so special to me. A special thank you to her. But having said that, here I am. I fully anticipate to practice Wednesday. It’s been a long road to rehabilitation mentally, physically and emotionally. It’s been a rough road. The first month and half of the year – my third son was born, we win an AFC Championship, we win a Super Bowl, I go to a Pro Bowl – I come home and I have a stroke. It’s been a roller coaster. It’s been a long way back and here I am. I fully anticipate practicing Wednesday. I want to help this team in any way I can. I’ve been cleared to play medically by many physicians and I’m just here to tell you – thank you to all the fans especially who have given me all their support – e-mails, letters, flowers sent to my home. The support I received from them has been absolutely incredible. I’ve said before, the fans in New England were the best in the league. I have first hand knowledge in how special they can be and how supportive they can be when a player really needs to be picked up off the ground and given support. They’ve done so much for me and I want to thank them for that."

During the second quarter (Pats @ Broncos), a statement released by the Pats concering Tedy Bruschi, was read by the announcers. The following is an exact copy of the statement as heard by the announcers and posted on the Pats website:

“The New England Patriots have been advised that Tedy Bruschi has received unanimous medical clearance from outside specialists in the field of stroke neurology. He has also passed multiple physical examinations by team doctors and has been cleared to resume practicing as early as this week. The Patriots organization is satisfied that Tedy Bruschi has received the best medical attention possible and has been assured that he is medically cleared to resume his playing career. Tedy Bruschi has worked very hard throughout his rehabilitation to return to full health and has been assured by all who have examined him that he has. With the necessary unanimous medical clearances to return, Tedy Bruschi and his family will make the final decision as to whether he returns to the field and begins practicing once again with the team. The Kraft family and the entire Patriots organization want only what is best for Tedy Bruschi and his family and will continue to support his decision.”

The Pats signed 3rd round draft pick Ellis Hobbs who is a CB and kick returner. In order to sign him, and make room on the roster, the Pats cut undrafted free agent RB DeCori Birmingham (Arkansas).

Tedy Bruschi has decided to sit out the entire 2005 football season due to the stroke he suffered during the off-season. This announcement came as a joint statement from the Pats, Belichick, and Bruschi, even though Tedy was not directly quoted. This announcement comes out about the same time as NECN's incorrect announcement that there was a 90% chance Bruschi would play. Needless to say, NECN has egg on their face.

While all the fans want to see Bruschi fully recover, and do what is best for him and family, they will still miss him on the field come opening kick off. It will be interesting to see what the Pats will do next as far as pay and status. Whereas this is a non-football injury, they do not have to pay him his salary; however, should they do that, the fans would certainly revolt. Historically, the Pats have treated players well, and did compensate Edwards (RB, injured playing beach football with the "terrible three".) while suffering a knee injury in the off-season. One has to assume the Pats will take care of Tedy the same way.

The Pats also have a few choices in regards to Bruschi's status. They could put Bruschi on the non-football injury list or the psychically unable to perform list which would allow Tedy to come back and play at a later date. The other option is to place him on the injured reserve list, thus eliminating any chance for Bruschi to return for the season. To date, no announcement has been made about which list Bruschi will be on.

Tedy has been the fan favorite for the past 9 years and for good reason. He is a spirited player, stands by his team regardless of outcome, represented himself without an agent during contract talks, refused to take more money from other teams to stay in New England, and always played the game no matter what the circumstances. He will be missed this year. We all wish him the very best in his recovery, and hope to see him on the field next year.

Pats make their draft picks:

Round 1: Overall 32: Logan Mankins: G: 6-4, 307 lbs: Fresno State

Round 3: Overall 84: Ellis Hobbs: CB: 5-9, 188 lbs: Iowa State

Round 3: Overall 100: Nick Kaczur: G: 6-4, 319 lbs: Toldeo

Round 4: Overall 133: James Sanders: SS: 5-10, 207 lbs: Fresno State

Round 5: Overall 170: Ryan Claridge: OLB: 6-2, 259 lbs: Nevada-Las Vegas

Round 7: Overall 230: Matt Cassel: QB: 6-5, 230 lbs: Southern California

Round 7: Overall 255: Andy Stokes: TE: 6-5, 245 lbs: William Penn