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Spann promoted; five players downgraded to out

The Patriots have promoted practice squad cornerback Antwain Spann to fill the final spot on the 53-man roster after Thursday’s release of linebacker Chad Brown.

Spann, who was one of three practice players of the week this week for his work in preparing New England for its game with Miami, appeared in eight games with the Pats last year, shuttling back and forth between the practice squad and active roster. He played in all three playoff games as well. All told, Spann had eight special teams tackles last season.

The 6-foot, 195 pound California native attended the same high school – Oceanside -- as Junior Seau.

New England also downgraded five players to out for tonight’s game: defensive back Willie Andrews (elbow), tight end Kyle Brady (foot), fullback Kyle Eckel (stomach), tackle Nick Kaczur (foot) and guard Stephen Neal (shoulder).

Brady and Eckel had been designated as doubtful earlier yesterday, while Andrews, Kaczur and Neal were listed as questionable.

Benjamin Watson (ankle) and Billy Yates (foot) remain listed as questionable; Tom Brady (right shoulder) and Rodney Harrison (thigh) are probable.

For the Giants, corner Kevin Dockery (hip flexor) and receiver Sinorice Moss (back) are listed as doubtful, and running back Ahmad Bradshaw (calf) and defensive tackle Manny Wright (ankle) are questionable. Receiver Plaxico Burress (ankle) and running back Brandon Jacobs (ankle) are probable.

Posted by Shalise Manza Young  at 7:11 PM | Permalink | Comments 0

Download today's sports cover

On today's sports cover, Shalise Manza Young goes over the arguments -- from the Giants' point of view -- against using starters in Saturday's game against the Patriots. Also, Joe McDonald writes on the Red Sox' program of offseason physical evaluations for pitchers.

Click here to download the file in pdf format.

Posted by Mike McDermott  at 9:09 AM | Permalink | Comments 0