October 28, 2008 Stephen Neal is close to being in condition to play a full game following his recovery from a shoulder injury, according to the Boston Globe. He has split time at right guard with Billy Yates the last two games after coming off the PUP list.
Our View:Neal is not a solid pro, but has been the Patriots' starting right guard over the last four seasons, and will be an upgrade when he returns to full duty.
October 20, 2008 The Patriots have activated guard Stephen Neal (shoulder) from the PUP list on Monday, the Boston Globe reports.
Our View:Neal has been a starter when healthy over the last four seasons, and he should get the right guard job back soon, if not on Monday night. He will be an upgrade.
October 14, 2008 Stephen Neal could resume practicing soon now that he is eligible to do so, according to the Boston Globe. He started the season on the PUP list while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery.
Our View:Once he practices, the team will have three weeks to either activate him or place him on season-ending IR. He is merely adequate as an NFL guard, but would be viewed as an upgrade if he can return to action.
August 26, 2008 The Patriots placed Stephen Neal on the PUP list Tuesday. He underwent shoulder surgery in the offseason and has made a slower than expected recovery.
Our View:With Ryan O'Callaghan gone for the season, the Pats' depth on the line is becoming increasingly thin.
July 30, 2008 Pro Football Weekly reports that there is legitimate concern in New England whether right guard Stephen Neal can be counted on consistenly this year. Neal started training on the physically-unable-to-perform list, and there’s no timetable for his return.
Our View:Neal sprained his knee in the Super Bowl (the one they lost to the Giants 17-14), and had shoulder surgery at the end of March. He has a history of injuries and if he is forced to miss extended time, there will have to be a significant reshuffling of the offensive line. Backup Russ Hochstein is a steady, veteran reserve but is far from a sound long-term replacement.
