Dane

Fletcher

Fletcher was mostly limited to special teams during his four-year tenure with the Patriots, but is also capable of filling in as a reserve linebacker. In addition to the Raiders, Fletcher has also been linked to the Bucs.

Spikes was outfitted with a scout team jersey early in Thursday’s practice. Beat writer Ian Rapoport suspects we will see “a lot” of backup Dane Fletcher Monday night against the Dolphins.

Fletcher was strong in training camp last year and, with Brandon Spikes injured, was the frontrunner to start at middle linebacker. An injury to his right thumb, however, held him under 300 snaps for the season. The 25-year-old will enter camp as Spikes’ primary backup and a special teams contributor.

Fletcher, a second-year undrafted free agent out of Montana State, hasn’t played since Oct. 16. He’s still wearing a hard cast on his right hand.

Fletcher drew the start in the middle with Brandon Spikes sitting out. Following the injury, rookie Dont’a Hightower moved from the strong side to Fletcher’s spot. The injury will increase the responsibilities of veteran Bobby Carpenter, who was signed for depth and versatility. Fletcher was expected to be Spikes’ primary backup this season.

Fletcher went unclaimed after being placed on waivers, and won’t count against the 53-man roster. The special teamer was set to open the year as the primary backup to MLB Brandon Spikes.

Fletcher tore his ACL in Thursday’s preseason opener. The special teamer and reserve linebacker was set to serve as MLB Brandon Spikes’ primary backup. Fletcher is scheduled for restricted free agency in 2013.

Per reporter Field Yates, Fletcher wasn’t showing “any signs of limitations.” He missed all of 2012 with a torn ACL. He’s returning as a reserve linebacker and special teamer.

Fletcher tore his ACL while covering the first punt of the preseason opener. The Patriots begin OTAs in April, and Fletcher will be eight months removed from surgery by then. New England will look to retain Fletcher as a reserve and special teamer, likely with a second-round or “original pick” restricted tender.

Fletcher was set to be a restricted free agent this offseason, but the Patriots finalized a deal before he was able to talk to other teams on March 12. The third-year pro missed the entire 2012 season with a torn ACL, but his recovery is said to be on a “positive course.” Fletcher will return as a key reserve and special teams player.