FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Patriots coach Bill Belichick touched on a number of topics during a 20-plus-minute news conference Wednesday, and one of the most notable was receiver Donte' Stallworth.
Stallworth, now in his 10th season, totaled 24 receptions over the past two years in Baltimore (2010) and Washington (2011). Given that production, some might view Stallworth as a player whose best days are behind him, but it doesn't sound as if Belichick feels the same way.
"I think Donte' has had a solid camp," Belichick said. "He's shown that he still has his speed. Athletic. Gets down the field well. And he's tough; he comes in and blocks. Is good with the ball in his hands. I think he's been very competitive with that group."
After Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd, no one has seemed to stand out in the competition for the No. 3 spot, with Deion Branch, Jabar Gaffney, Stallworth and Julian Edelman the top candidates.
Stallworth, who signed a modest one-year deal to return to the Patriots in 2012, is coming off a tough practice Tuesday in which he had several drops. But his overall body of work has him in the mix for a roster spot.
"They've all had their moments, but it's been very competitive, so the next three games here and the remaining practices, we'll just try to sort it all out," Belichick said.