Earlier this week, it appeared as if high-profile cornerback Patrick Peterson might have a legitimate chance of being dealt to New England. However, that now seems unlikely, given Peterson's public declaration yesterday that he's committed to his current and original team, the Arizona Cardinals.
However, this doesn't necessarily mean the Patriots won't be active between now and next Tuesday, when the NFL trade deadline arrives. Both **NBC Sports Boston** and **ESPN** offer reasons why this could be true. The **Boston Herald** goes even further, enumerating a list of players at various positions who could wind up in Foxborough by next week.
Running back is one of those positions, after rookie Sony Michel injured a knee last weekend in Chicago. The Boston Globe reports that Michel might only be out of commission for a short time, though.
While Michel convalesces, veteran Kenjon Barner might be asked to pick up the slack at tailback. With that in mind, the **Mass Live blog** caught up with him yesterday.
"A month ago, I would've told you it all has to be run plays because I didn't understand the passing scheme," Barner admitted in part of that story. "But now, obviously I'm still learning still growing, but I have a basic knowledge and understanding of this system. I'm good for whatever they're throwing at me."
Meanwhile, The Athletic website published an intriguing analysis of whether WR Josh Gordon is **at his physical peak or not** at this point, and another proclaiming that CB Stephon Gilmore is **playing at a Darrelle Revis-like level**.
**The Providence Journal** also has a Gilmore story, this one about his close friendship with Boston Red Sox star Jackie Bradley Jr.
"It's big. I watched [Game 1 of the World Series]," Gilmore said yesterday. "Those guys were flying around and making plays. It was a good game. I'm happy to see him playing at the biggest stage of his career."
Finally today, **Boston Sports Journal** provides an entertaining examination of which current Patriots might someday make the best football coaches.
