Patriots O-line still working to get back to 100 percent

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

As OTAs hit the halfway point for the New England Patriots, there have been some sizeable absences thus far among the masses. About 1,000 combined pounds worth, to be precise.

Finishing up Day 6 of the team’s 10-day workout schedule, three big bodies have yet to enter into full-speed team activities – starting left tackle Nate Solder, starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and rookie fourth-rounder Cameron Fleming.

According to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, Vollmer has practiced but not been able to move into 11-on-11 drills, while Solder has been with the rehabilitation crowd. Fleming, though healthy, is still waiting for Stanford’s graduation to take place before he can participate.

Wendell re-signs, has chance to keep starting job

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Ryan Wendell wasn't great for the New England Patriots in 2013. Though he was good enough to earn a tryout for an encore.

The veteran center reportedly re-signed with the Patriots to a two-year deal Friday, so he'll be in the mix for a starting gig among the interior of an offensive line that was shaky at times in both the pass- and run-blocking departments a season ago.

Wendell took Dan Koppen's job in the 2012 offseason and has held his current post since.