ESPN

Appearing at halftime of the "Monday Night Football" radio broadcast on Westwood One, Tom Brady commented on Vince Wilfork's season-ending injury. Here's a transcript of what he said:

"Well, to say we'll miss him is an understatement. His presence in the locker room and on the field is really unmatched, so it will be a team effort. I know Coach Belichick said there's no Vince Wilforks on the street corner waiting to sign with the Patriots, which is the truth, but we're going to have to find a way to -- in a group effort -- replace such a valuable player. And he'll be around, his spirit, his leadership, he'll still have a big impact on our team. But he's been a great player for a long time and everyone's disappointed about his injury."

On if he can gauge what it does to the morale of the team when you lose such a player of that level of importance:

"Yeah, well, initially there's a blow to the team morale in that you wonder who's going to fill in that spot and who's going to take the void of such a great player. But then as soon as you get into the week, you start thinking about your job, how much you need to do and what the coaches are asking you, and then you really leave it to coach to think of the things that he can do now to help replace a guy like Vince as well as personnel. So injuries are really a part of the game and I think we've learned over the years that there's not one player that makes the team. Certainly losing a guy like
Vince doesn't help our team in any way, but we're going to have to find somebody to go in there and do the job of that nose tackle position and do it to the level that they're capable of. It's a team sport so the rest of the team has to pick up the pieces."

On if he sensed the severity of the injury when it occurred:

"I wasn't sure of the severity, I know that Vince never really goes down and stays on the ground so when he came over to the sideline and I went over and tapped him on the shoulder to ask him how he felt and he just kind of nodded his head which, I knew at that point that it wasn't a minor injury. He's as tough as they come. He's been durable, consistent. Like I said, his leadership and his ability to motivate the other players on the defensive side of the ball has been one of the best I've ever seen. So we'll miss him, we'll miss him for the rest of the year, but I know he'll come
back next year strong and as determined as ever."

On Rob Gronkowski and his injury status:

"He's been on the active roster for the last four weeks and I've seen him every day working as hard as he can to get back. So it ends up being a medical decision and that's not my role. So I'm just waiting for the day that he does get back because he adds so much to our offense. Every week that he's been out there he's made significant improvement. So it'll be great when he's back and it'll be great when we get Danny Amendola back and Shane Vereen back and finally we can see what our offense is really made of. Whether that's this week or the following week or the following week. I mean those things are really not determined by me."

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick confirmed Monday afternoon what was reported earlier in the day: star defensive lineman Vince Wilfork’s season is likely over.

Wilfork left Sunday night’s game in the first quarter with what was reported to be a torn right Achilles tendon.

“It doesn’t look too good for Vince,” Belichick said during his weekly interview on Boston sports radio station WEEI. “I think he’s got a pretty serious injury and it’s probably unlikely that he’ll be able to play again this year.”

Wilfork, one of the team's captains, is a perennial Pro Bowler and vital cog to the team's defense, particularly against the run.

“Clearly, there are no Vince Wilforks just standing around out there on the corner waiting to sign with the Patriots or some other NFL team,” Belichick said during his WEEI interview. “He is a special player, one of the very best at his position. There’s no way that you would replace him with one guy, that’s totally unrealistic. But we’ll try to do what we can to make our team as competitive as possible with the 46 guys we put out there against Cincinnati this Sunday.”

New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick didn’t shed any new light on Vince Wilfork's Achilles injury on Monday morning, telling reporters on a conference call that the defensive lineman was undergoing tests but he otherwise did not have information on his injury.

“I really don’t know much right now,” Belichick said, adding that with the late game Sunday and traveling back Monday, he hasn’t had a chance to talk to the medical staff.

Wilfork left Sunday night’s victory against the Falcons in the first quarter and did not return. A league source indicated early Monday that the injury was a torn right Achillies and would likely sideline him for the season.

“He’s a great player, we all know that, and he gives us great leadership,” Belichick said. “He’s a strong contributor on and off the field and in the locker room. ... We’ll just have to see how things come together for him. Obviously if he’s not there, everybody will have to pull a little bit more weight on their end.”

Belichick did indicate he might have more information later Monday.

“It’ll all come together here at some point during the day,” he said.

ATLANTA -- It's the obvious question: Who might the Patriots sign to fill the considerable void created with Vince Wilfork reportedly tearing his Achilles?

Some thoughts:

Most likely option. A practice-squad promotion for first-year player Marcus Forston or rookie A.J. Francis.

Forston is a University of Miami alum who has been mentored by Wilfork, also a Miami alum. The Patriots liked Francis enough to claim him on waivers from the Dolphins at the final roster cutdown. Either player would add depth behind Tommy Kelly, Joe Vellano and Chris Jones, who are already on the roster.

If the Patriots stay in-house, the biggest trickle-down effect is that it will likely mean an increased role for Vellano, who opened the year as the third tackle. The undrafted rookie from Maryland averaged 26 defensive snaps per game through Week 3. His snaps obviously spiked considerably higher than that on Sunday night.

Vellano (6-foot-2, 300 pounds), a hard-working player who might be considered undersized by NFL standards but who wins with technique (e.g. third-quarter sack versus Peter Konz on Sunday), was one of the surprise stories of training camp.

Armstead another in-house option, but status unclear. First-year player Armond Armstead, who isn’t eligible to practice until after the sixth week because he’s on the reserve/non-football illness list, is more of a wild card. It is unclear if the former Canadian Football League player, who the Patriots were initially counting on as a No. 3 option at defensive tackle before he underwent surgery for an infection before training camp, will be ready to help the team this year.

Those with past connections. Kyle Love and Ron Brace remain free agents, and while the Patriots released both players in hopes of moving on, perhaps the team would now view them differently with Wilfork injured. In more of a long-shot scenario, Richard Seymour would also fall into that category.

The pure nose tackle type. Similar to when the Patriots traded for Ted Washington in 2003, and then brought in Keith Traylor in 2004, the Patriots could tap the veteran market for a big-bodied, two-down nose tackle type. Would someone like longtime Pittsburgh anchor Casey Hampton have anything left, assuming he'd even be interested? The concern, in general terms, is that an older, bigger nose tackle who hasn't been in a training camp usually is often viewed as a greater injury risk. That's why this is viewed as a less likely option than an internal promotion.

ATLANTA -- New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork left Sunday night's game against the Atlanta Falcons with an ankle injury in the first quarter, limping off the field on the Falcons' first drive of the game.

He was later taken to the locker room on the back of a cart.

The Patriots announced his return as questionable.

Wilfork, one of the team's captains, is a perennial Pro Bowler and vital cog to the team's defense, particularly against the run. He had been added to the team’s injury report this week for the first time, as probable with a foot injury.

The Patriots have been thin at defensive tackle since training camp started in late July, in part because Armond Armstead opened on the non-football injury list after undergoing surgery for an infection. Armstead remains on the non-football injury list, leaving the Patriots with Wilfork, fellow veteran Tommy Kelly and rookies Joe Vellano (undrafted) and Chris Jones (sixth-round pick from the Texans claimed on waivers) at defensive tackle.

ATLANTA -- Starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and running back/kickoff returner Leon Washington, both of whom were questionable on Friday's injury report, have made the trip with the Patriots.

That means they still have a chance to play in Sunday night's game against the Falcons.

Vollmer missed the second half of the team's 22-3 win over the Buccaneers on Sept. 22 with a foot injury, while Washington was inactive for the game with a thigh injury.

The Patriots downgraded just two players Saturday -- receiver Danny Amendola and tight end Rob Gronkowski. They join special-teams captain Matthew Slater as players who will not play.

The Patriots must declare four more players inactive by 90 minutes before kickoff.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- After missing the previous two days of practice, New England Patriots right tackle Sebastian Vollmer was on the field Friday morning as the team prepares to face the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday night.

Vollmer reportedly sprained his foot and was seen on the field Friday with tape on his left foot.

Wide receiver Matthew Slater (wrist) did not participate in practice.

Tight end Rob Gronkowski (back, forearm) and Danny Amendola (groin) were on the field.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Starting New England Patriots right tackle Sebastian Vollmer did not participate in practice for the second straight day, putting his status in doubt for Sunday night’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Vollmer has a sprained foot, according to the Boston Herald, which reported it wasn’t expected to keep Vollmer sidelined for an extended period of time. Third-year player Marcus Cannon would start in place of Vollmer.

One reason the right tackle position is critical is that one of the Falcons’ most disruptive defensive players is end Osi Umenyiora. Patriots coach Bill Belichick mentioned Wednesday that the Falcons flip Umenyiora to each side, so if Cannon is pressed into duty, there could be times he’s matched up against Umenyiora.

This would be Cannon’s second career regular-season start, although he has played extensively in a reserve/rotational role.

In addition, tight end Rob Gronkowski (forearm/back) and receiver Danny Amendola (groin) were both limited in practice for the second straight day.

Overall, here were no changes on the team’s injury report from Wednesday.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- For the second consecutive day, starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and special-teams captain Matthew Slater were the lone Patriots not spotted at practice.

On Wednesday's injury report, it was revealed that Vollmer is dealing with a foot issue that cost him half of the offensive snaps during a Week 3 win against Tampa Bay. Slater, meanwhile, remains out due to a wrist injury.

As has been the case, tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Danny Amendola were on the practice field again for a shells-and-helmets workout, as each is hopeful to return soon from their respective injuries. On Wednesdsay, Amendola stated that he was getting closer to 100 percent after a groin issue that has sidelined him each of the past two games.

Gronkowski (back/forearm) looks to be closing in on a return to action for the first time since a divisional-round win in last season's playoffs. He stressed on Wednesday that he continues to improve day-to-day.

The Patriots will conduct their final practice on Friday in advance of their trip to Atlanta for a Sunday night game.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – As reporters entered the New England Patriots' locker room around 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, receiver Danny Amendola emerged and made his way toward his locker.

He was one of the only players in the locker room at the time, his presence notable because he’s mostly been absent since injuring his groin in the season opener Sept. 8.

When a reporter approached and asked if he was available to speak, Amendola said he was unsure. In his first year with the club, he got the memo quickly -- injured players who aren’t suiting up for games generally stay in the background.

But soon enough, a member of the team’s media-relations staff told Amendola it was OK, and what ensued was a media blitz.

The scene, in and of itself, reflected that Amendola is closing on a return to the field. If not Sunday night against the Atlanta Falcons, the Oct. 6 game at Cincinnati now seems like a realistic target.

As Amendola said himself, “I anticipate being 100 percent shortly.”

This was the most significant Patriots news-related development of the day, and here are a few follow-up thoughts:

More clarity by Saturday night: For those on the fantasy-football circuit, there should be a clearer picture of Amendola’s potential availability by Saturday night. Because the Patriots are playing on the road, this means the team will downgrade to "out" status injured players who remain home Saturday while the team travels to Atlanta. This is what happened with tight end Rob Gronkowski and others in the Sept. 8 season opener.

Revisiting decision to play through injury in opener: Amendola said he didn’t regret playing through injury in the second half of the opener, in which he was a key contributor. He acknowledged that adrenaline was part of it. He also said there was no way to know if playing through the injury made it worse. If the adductor becomes an issue that nags Amendola over time, the process through which Amendola was cleared to return in the opener could come under scrutiny.

While closer to 100 percent, still could be situation to manage: While Amendola expressed optimism about a return to the field “shortly,” he stopped short when asked if he could say with certainty that he won’t have to manage the injured area in the future. “I’m not really sure on that one,” he said. NFL Network previously reported that Amendola’s adductor tore away from his bone.

Receiver Danny Amendola and tight end Rob Gronkowski both had limited participation in Wednesday’s practice, according to the team’s official injury report. The Patriots practiced in full pads.

Elsewhere, veteran defensive tackle Vince Wilfork (foot) was a new addition to the injury report. He had full participation, but this is the first time we’ve learned of an injury for him. Also, linebacker Jerod Mayo (ankle) and cornerbacks Kyle Arrington (groin) and Marquice Cole (hamstring) were new additions to the injury report, as they were limited in their participation.

As noted earlier, special-teams captain Matthew Slater (wrist) and starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (foot) were not spotted at practice and the team confirmed that they did not participate.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski was once again on the practice fields Wednesday morning as he continues his recovery from offseason back and forearm surgeries.

He addressed the media following practice, though he said nothing of note as it relates to his status for this Sunday's game.

"There really is no update," he said. "You know how we go. And I'm improving every week."

Asked whether he thought he could be ready to play this Sunday, Gronkowski offered, "I don't know. As of right now, we're just focusing day by day and tomorrow is another step forward and we've got to see.

"I'm taking everything day by day and today I went out to practice, went into meetings, did everything normal, so just day by day and improving every day."

Gronkowski reinforced that a big part of his recovery process is regaining the strength throughout his body that was lost as a result of the time off from working out.

"Yeah, definitely, and like I said before, that's part of the whole rehab process," he said of getting his strength back. "I mean, it's not just rehabbing your back and your arm. I took off my whole body for about a couple months, so you've got to get everything going again. All muscles firing again at all parts of your body."

The 24-year-old said his strength is improving, which is evidenced by his frame filling out. Though Gronkowski lost muscle mass, he said that he hasn't lost any weight throughout the process.

"I don't lose weight. I can look skinny and still be the same amount of weight," he said, before cracking. "It goes by skinny or looking jacked."

When asked whether he was back to the state of being jacked, Gronkowski quipped, "You guys tell me."

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, who didn't play in the second half of Sunday's 23-3 win over the Buccaneers after injuring his foot, was not present for the start of practice Wednesday.

The Boston Herald reported that Vollmer has a sprained foot.

In Vollmer's absence Sunday, third-year player Marcus Cannon stepped in at right tackle. The Patriots' depth would also get a boost if veteran Will Svitek, a swing tackle and guard who missed the first three games with a knee injury, returns to action. Svitek, the former Atlanta Falcon, appears to be making progress.

Special teams captain Matthew Slater (wrist) was the only other player not spotted at the start of practice, in which reporters saw jogging and agility drills.

That meant tight end Rob Gronkowski (left forearm/back) and receiver Danny Amendola (groin) were working with teammates, as they did on a limited basis the last two weeks. Amendola, in particular, seemed to be moving better than he did last week as he aggressively worked his way through the bags in agility drills.

The Patriots' official participation/injury report, which will detail the level of participation of each player in practice, will be released around 4 p.m. ET.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The Patriots have officially announced their inactive players for today's game, led by tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Danny Amendola.

Below is the complete list.

Wide receiver Danny Amendola
Linebacker Steve Beauharnais
Tight end Rob Gronkowski
Defensive tackle Chris Jones
Wide receiver Matthew Slater
Offensive lineman Will Svitek
Running back Leon Washington

Analysis: No surprise as it relates to Amendola and Gronkowski, as the expectation was neither would play this week. Slater had previously been ruled out, while Svitek and Washington were also listed as questionable. Perhaps the biggest news as it relates to the inactives (other than Gronk and Amendola) is that running back Brandon Bolden will play for the first time this season. He's been dealing with a knee issue, but it'll be interesting to see how many carries -- if any -- he gets today. In addition, tight end Zach Sudfeld will play today, as was expected after he was a full participant in practice.

Below are the Buccaneers inactives. For the first time this season, star left guard Carl Nicks will play.

Cornerback Michael Adams
Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi
Tight end Tom Crabtree
Defensive tackle Derek Landri
Defensive end Steven Means
Quarterback Dan Orlovsky
Tight end Luke Stocker