Patriots news & rumors: Devin McCourty update; Kyle Fuller trade buzz

If the New England Patriots are to stop the high-powered Los Angeles Chargers offense in the Week 8 matchup, they will need their defensive backfield as healthy as possible and that starts with Devin McCourty.

After leaving the game in Week 6 against the New York Jets with an abdominal injury, there was some concern on the veteran safety’s availability for this week’s showdown. As of Wednesday’s practice, the news seems pretty good when it comes to McCourty.

Patriots safety Devin McCourty showing off his durability

Not only was he moving well, he offered some encouraging words to the media following practice on Thursday.

"“I’m gonna work my butt off to be out there Sunday,” McCourty said, as transcribed by NESN. “I think, my time here, that’s one thing that’s always stuck out to me from Bill (Belichick): the dependability part of being available on Sundays goes a long ways in this league. …“I’m gonna try to be out there, do everything in my power to be out there.”"

Sounds like the words of a true leader and true Patriot.  His availability on Sunday will be a huge boost for a New England Patriots defense that will have their hands full going up against second-year quarterback Justin Hebert who has been one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL this season.

NFL rumors: Patriots bolster secondary with Kyle Fuller?

While all the NFL Trade Deadline buzz surrounding the New England Patriots involves the team trading for a wide receiver, don’t be surprised if Bill Belichick lands an impactful player on the defensive side of the ball.

According to CBS Sports writer Cody Benjamin, the player could and should be Denver Broncos cornerback Kyle Fuller.  He writes:

"“The Pats should arguably be selling at the deadline, but at 3-4 and fresh off a huge divisional win, they can still talk themselves into upgrading a position. Fuller is good enough to warrant a flyer, but not too costly to ruin their finances post-2021.”"

Depending on what happens in Week 8 against Justin Hebert and the Los Angeles Chargers, the Patriots could absolutely be buyers come the NFL Trade Deadline.  Even with a loss, depending on how competitive they are, Belichick could believe in his team’s ability to rack up wins and adding a player like Fuller could stabilize the secondary to really get things rolling in New England.

As a player looking to revive his NFL career, Fuller could be effective in a No. 2 corner role along side J.C. Jackson.  With the Patriots trading away Stephon Gilmore, Jackson and the entire secondary has had to step things up, including Jalen Mills and JoeJuan Williams.

To add insult to injury, the Patriots lost slot corner Jonathan Jones for the season.  Obtaining a cornerback like Fuller could move Mills to that slot corner role which would certainly be an upgrade for the defensive backfield.