Every Saturday, hot topics around the New England Patriots are explored in the form of a mailbag.





Could Hogan be back? — Steven James Henrici (@SteveyStats24) December 8, 2017

Think flowers is back this week ? — Mike (@Pats5X712) December 7, 2017

@MikeReiss have you heard any rumblings about Cannon? At this point I assume it was a high ankle but it's still been 5-6 weeks or so. Thoughts on the matter? — Toby Dorsen (@toby_dorsen) December 9, 2017

@MikeReiss any word on if the team is going to head to Miami early with the new snow fall projections? — Patriots 5X Champs (@Patriots5Time) December 7, 2017

Mike, What happens to Gronk's salary for the 1 game suspension? Do the Pats keep it, or does it go to the League? Serious question, thanks. — Metalcop (@JeffrylClark) December 8, 2017

@MikeReiss Mike, is Martellus Bennett still hanging around the team or is his locker cleaned out and he's completely gone from the facility on any kind of basis? — Paul Marzagalli (@phimseto) December 8, 2017

@MikeReiss are we going to see either Valentine or Mitchell on the field soon? — Matt Kalin (@katomck1981) December 8, 2017

Steven, Chris Hogan felt his shoulder responded well to the week of practice. Assuming there are no setbacks, he will be on the trip to Miami and likely is good to go for game action. He seemed to be in good spirits at the end of the week. So while there is still time that things could change, signs are pointing toward Hogan making his return Monday night. Trey Flowers (ribs) has been limited all week in practice, and when I asked him Friday if he was set to return, he politely deflected the question. That was the same thing he did last week before he didn't play. I'm not sure if that means anything this week.Toby, Marcus Cannon still had his ankle in a walking boot this week, but since he hasn't been placed on injured reserve, the team obviously still believes he has a chance to return this season. It was a significant ankle injury, and when it happens to someone that is carrying 300-plus pounds it's a lot more weight to put on that wheel. So it's more about giving it the appropriate time to heal.The Patriots are scheduled to depart on Sunday afternoon, which is the standard schedule for them leaving the day before the game. The team has its final on-field practice of the week Saturday (late morning), so leaving Sunday should actually help the team avoid traveling while it is snowing (Saturday's forecast calls for about 6 inches of snow).This is from one of the NFL's recent press releases: "Money collected for violations included in the schedule of fines are designated for programs for former players. The NFL and the NFL Players Association have agreed to donate fine money through the NFL Foundation to the NFL Player Care Foundation and the Gene Upshaw Players Association's Players Assistance Trust."Paul, Martellus Bennett 's locker is still full of his belongings, but I haven't seen him around and don't believe he's currently spending a lot of time at the facility. That could always change in the coming weeks, but usually the key for players in that situation is, first and foremost, to focus on a return to health, and sometimes that means less time at the stadium.

Matt, both receiver Malcolm Mitchell and defensive tackle Vincent Valentine were in the locker room on Friday, so they're around and working toward a return to full health (both hoped to return this year). The Patriots only have one injured reserve designated-to-return spot remaining, and if both are ready, it could come down to pure need. Would the Patriots feel a fourth receiver is of greater value than a fourth defensive tackle? The overall health of the roster is always evolving, so that can be a moving target of sorts.