Patriots coach Bill Belichick refuted the notion that running back Laurence Maroney might not have a place on the team this season. Maroney hasn't gotten much time during New England's preseason games thus far. "Oh, Absolutely," Belichick said when asked if Maroney could make an impact this regular season.

The Patriots and kicker Stephen Gostkowski have agreed to a contract extension, according to a source. The extension is reportedly worth nearly $14 million and runs through the 2014 season. Gostkowski, a restricted free agent, had signed a one-year tender offer for $1.759 million for 2010.

Rams wide receiver Donnie Avery left the exhibition game against the Patriots with a right knee injury Thursday night, according to an ESPN.com report. Coach Steve Spagnuolo was not positive when asked about Avery's diagnosis. "Donnie probably has a significant knee injury," Spagnuolo said after the Rams' 36-35 win. "We will know a little bit more when we get the tests."

Patriots guard Logan Mankins is prepared to sit out the entire 2010 season, according to friends. Mankins hasn't heard from the Patriots since May 4. He declined his $3.3 million restricted free agent tender and didn't show up for training camp. Mankins have been wise with his money and his stability gives him the option of waiting. He hopes that with a new league collective bargaining agreement, he'll be a free agent.

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady says he doesn't watch HBO's "Hard Knocks" because he hates the Jets. This year, New York is the featured team in the series. "I hate the Jets, so I refuse to support that show," Brady said. He added that he's sure it's great television and he's glad people like it but he has no interest in watching. "I'd love to say a lot of mean things, but I'd rather not do that, either."

The Patriots have acquired reserve offensive lineman Quinn Ojinnaka from the Falcons for an undisclosed draft choice. Ojinnaka, a fifth-round pick out of Syracuse in 2005, has primarily played guard in his 39 career games.

Patriots offensive lineman Nick Kaczur has undergone back surgery within the past seven to 10 days, the Boston Herald is reporting. Earlier this month, Kaczur told teammates he had a significant back injury that could sideline him indefinitely and potentially threaten his 2010 season. Kaczur, a six-year veteran, was New England's starting left guard on the first day of training camp.

Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker had two catches in the team's preseason victory over the Falcons on Thursday night. Welker played for the first time since seriously injuring his knee in January. He was on the field for six plays of New England's opening drive, catching a six-yard and 14-yard pass from Tom Brady. Welker tore the anterior cruciate ligament and medial collateral ligament in his left knee Jan. 3 playing against the Texans.

Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker traveled with the team to Atlanta, according to coach Bill Belichick. Welker said Monday that he was unsure if he would travel with the team. New England will play a preseason game against the Falcons on Thursday. The receiver's recovery from major knee surgery remains on track, but it's not yet known whether he'll play in the team's second preseason game. "It's still kind of the same, we're making strides," said Welker, who did not play in the team's preseason opener against the Saints. "At the same time, there are good days and bad days. We're just trying to work through them."

Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said Monday that his relationship with team owner Robert Kraft is fine. Brady is entering the final season of his contract. "Yeah, of course," he said when asked if his relationship with Kraft is still a good one. "We've been through a lot. It's been a great relationship since I've been here, with myself and the team and the organization. I don't want anything to ever get in the way of that. You have to be able to separate what a good part of a relationship is, and obviously the parts of the relationship you'd rather not deal with. But you have to deal with them."