Patriots reinstated FB Tony Fiammetta from the reserve/left squad list.

Fiammetta, 26, spent all of last year on the left squad list after his 2011 season was marred by a suspected concussion. Perhaps taking the year off did him some good. Fiammetta will now compete for a roster spot in Patriots camp.

ESPN Boston believes Patriots FB Tony Fiammetta could be beaten out by Spencer Larsen for a roster spot thanks to Larsen's special-teams prowess.

Fiammetta flashed special skills as a lead-blocker in Dallas last season, but will apparently have to earn his keep on special teams to crack the Patriots' 53. Provided he's healthy after missing a large chunk of 2011 with a mysterious illness, Fiammetta should be on someone's Week 1 roster, New England's or otherwise.

The Boston Globe reports the Patriots are "close" to signing free agent FB Tony Fiammetta.

Fiammetta was surprisingly non-tendered by the Cowboys after helping to revive a floundering rushing attack last season, but missed extensive time with an inner-ear issue that was likely related to a concussion. Fiammetta has a long history of concussions. He'd be an excellent lead blocker for the Patriots if he could stay on the field, however.