Wes Welker is reportedly ready to play. Shocking, I know, since it hasn't even been a full year since Welker turned his knee into mashed potatoes while trying to make a cut on the field. 

The Patriots initially thought Welker would begin training camp on the PUP list, but that's no longer the case. Apparently, Welker is physically ready to play in a game tomorrow, if there was one. New England will get Welker some preseason reps, but they also want to be careful with their slot receiver, as Welker's nature is to proceed full-steam ahead.

Welker at full-strength is something to get excited about in New England because he's imperative to their passing game. Tom Brady came back last year after a knee injury in 2008, but some doctors believe that Brady's knee injury is really a two-year deal. It was obvious at times last season to see that Brady wasn't completely comfortable operating in the pocket.

But Brady should be back to his old self this year and with Welker presumably hungry as ever, the Patriots could easily return...