FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Some quick hits from the media-access period in the New England Patriots' locker room on Wednesday:
Fleming sheds walking boot. Rookie offensive tackle Cameron Fleming, who wore a protective boot over his sprained left ankle last week, was present and walking without the boot today. That appears to be a sign of progress for him.
Slater appreciative of extended contract. Special teams captain Matthew Slater drew a large media crowd, and he mostly deflected talk of his contract extension through 2016. He said he didn't really want to get into it because his focus was on the Packers, but he allowed this: "I'm just so thankful for what the lord has done in my life and my career, [to] develop me here as a player and as a man. I'm thankful for an opportunity to continue that development -- to the coaching staff, Bill Belichick and this organization for believing in me and appreciating a player like me."
McCourty concurs with Revis on secondary. After Sunday's win against the Lions, cornerback Darrelle Revis said, "This is probably the best group of guys I've been around, secondary-wise, where everyone is just talented. We can do so many versatile things in our defense." Asked Wednesday if he agrees with Revis' viewpoint, safety Devin McCourty replied: “I would say that's a pretty fair opinion. This group has worked really hard each week of trying to be prepared and trying to be on point to the matchups we have. It hasn't been easy. ...I think our coaching staff does a good job each week coming up with whatever they think gives us the best chance to win. Here, we take it as a challenge to be ready for that. It's not easy when you do different things throughout the week."
Revis: Rodgers the biggest test yet. Revis called Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers the team's biggest test to date. Asked where he seems to hurt defenses most, he said, "Scrambling, when you watch film, that's what you see a lot of -- they extend a lot of plays." Revis added that it's his first time playing at Lambeau Field, which is something he's looking forward to.
Extra points. Receiver Danny Amendola was among the other players drawing a larger media crowd, with his work as a kickoff returner drawing much of the attention. ...New practice squad players Charley Hughlett and tight end Xavier Grimble will wear jersey numbers 53 and 86, respectively.