Factoring wide receiver Randy Moss into this Sunday's Halloween showdown hosting the Minnesota Vikings proves multifaceted during a week of pre-game preparation for the Patriots. What will Moss divulge to the Vikings staff to offer insight into the Patriots' complex offensive package? With only two games worth of film in a Moss-less offense, how will the Pats utilize their remaining receivers? And perhaps most importantly, how will the Vikings use Moss, who continues to be a deep, downfield threat--the future hall-of-famer has 12 receptions for 166 yards, two touchdowns, for Minnesota so far. Read about the Moss-factor on *ESPNBoston.com*.
Read similar stories in the *Boston Herald* and the *Boston Globe*. Read more about a Moss-less Patriots in the *Herald*.
Perhaps the Patriots D were just waiting to gel, working out kinks in the first few games. The *Boston Globe* profiles the Pats' "flexible" defense--one in which veteran Vince Wilfork, who's listed at nose tackle but has played at right and left end, has lifted the play of his squad in this versatile package.
Wilfork and injured Patriots safety Patrick Chung (knee) did not participate in practice yesterday, reports *ESPNBoston.com*. View the entire Patriots-Vikings injury report as of yesterday. Patriots.com will provide an updated list this afternoon.
Despite two fractures in his left ankle, not participating in practice yesterday, Vikings quarterback Brett Favre is trying everything within his power--which so far has allowed the 41-year-old QB 291 consecutive starts taking snaps--to play on Sunday, according to *ESPNBoston.com*. Read a similar story in the *Boston Globe*. And more about it in the *Boston Herald*.
Vikings head coach Brad Childress elaborated on his comments about the '06 Patriots yesterday during a conference call with the New England media. Read more about it in the *Boston Herald*. The *Boston Globe* offers some background on Childress' comments.
The Pats may fill two open spots on the practice squad with running backs James Johnson and Javarris Williams, after waiving RB Thomas Clayton to make room for safety Sergio Brown on the 53-man roster, reports *ESPNBoston.com*. The Patriots only have three active running backs in BenJarvis Green-Ellis, Danny Woodhead and Sammy Morris.
