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Mike Reiss](http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4766541/tom-brady-eyes-playing-at-least-a-half) of ESPN Boston writes that Tom Brady is eyeing to play at least a half during Friday night's preseason game against the Carolina Panthers.

"In the past, coach Bill Belichick has discussed the value in having top players remain in the third preseason game into the third quarter, so they can go through the experience of making halftime adjustments," notes Reiss. "Another benefit is conditioning-based." READ MORE>>

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe believes Patriots second-year LB Jamie Collins has the most versatile skill set on the team, calling him Bill Belichick's 'ultimate weapon' on defense.

"On any given play, Collins could rush the passer as an inside or outside linebacker, or drop into coverage on a tight end or even wide receiver," writes Volin. "Collins also got a couple of snaps at tight end on the goal line during spring workouts." READ MORE>>

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Gary Dzen](http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/2014/08/20/patriots-worth-billion-highest-nfl/QdmjWa6XN0Y9mFF5F1Q14K/story.html) of Boston.com writes that the Patriots have recently been valued at $2.6 billion, according to the latest Forbes survey.

"The Patriots are the second-highest valued franchise in the NFL, after the Dallas Cowboys ($3.4 billion)," adds Dzen. "Dallas becomes the first NFL team to top $3 billion, rising more than $900 million in value in the last year." READ MORE>>

Jeff Howe of the* Boston Herald* reports that Patriots defensive linemen Sealver Siliga and Chris Jones are both on the mend from respective strains.

"Siliga suffered a sprained left wrist during an Aug. 5 joint practice against the Redskins, and Jones suffered a sprained ankle two days later in the preseason opener, according to a source," writes Howe. "Siliga, who has worn a cast for the past two weeks, avoided a feared break, and Jones avoided a high ankle sprain." READ MORE>>

Glen Farley of The Patriot Ledger doesn't believe second-year WR Josh Boyce will make the Patriots final 53-man roster in his latest projection.

"This group doesn't include Josh Boyce; he may have been a fourth-round draft pick just last year and he can contribute to the return game, but there comes a point where (lack of) production outweighs potential," writes Farley. READ MORE>>