New England Patriots News: Brandon Bolden, Armond Armstead
The New England Patriots placed rookie defensive tackle Armond Armstead on the non-football injury list to open up camp, and head coach Bill Belichick stated that it has nothing to do with the heart issues that plagued Armstead in college while at USC. Now, we finally know why Armstead was placed on the non-football injury list, as ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss tweeted this out yesterday, “Armond Armstead had surgery to treat an infection. Armond is in good condition and is expected to make a full recovery. …”
New England Patriots running back Brandon Bolden (38) carries the ball during the fourth quarter against the Denver Broncos at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
It sounds like whatever infection Armstead had was minor and should be behind him shortly, but it will be interesting to see when he takes the field. Armstead, who has been compared to a second-round talent after being a CFL pick-up in late January, is a near-lock to make the Patriots roster and was part of a consecrated effort made by the Patriots to get better interior pass rushers. He and Tommy Kelly are expected to help take the Pats pass rush to the next level, and Kelly has already looked the part in training camp early on.
New England Patriots second-year running back Brandon Bolden had a strong training camp last year as a UDFA out of Ole Miss, and that allowed him to latch onto the Patriots 53-man roster in 2012. Bolden has impressed the Pats since then, and he came into this year’s training camp as the favorite to make the roster over LeGarrette Blount in a competition at RB. Both RBs could make the roster, but it looks like Blount hasn’t impressed while Bolden has been doing a good job thus far. At this point in time, I can’t see Blount making the roster over Bolden, even though I’ve been touting Blount on the site.
Bolden, however, was not seen during last night’s practice, and this is the first time he has been absent for a session of training camp. No updates have been given on Bolden’s status, so it will be interesting to see when he comes back and if he recently sustained an injury.