The Facts: Gostkowski on Thursday gave a positive report on his rehab from a torn right quad that sidelined him for half of the 2010 season. "Each week is better and better and better," Gostkowski, who kicks with his right leg, said. "It's very encouraging and I feel very happy with where I'm at right now. I'm just going to work hard to be ready by camp."

Diehards Line:As ESPN's Mike Reiss noted, Gostkowski never had to miss extended time over his career, stretching back to his youth days, but said he's managed to remain positive since last November, when he was placed on IR with Shayne Graham taking over the Patriots' place-kicking needs. But it sounds like Graham's services won't be needed on an ongoing basis. Asked if he's limited in range and distance, in terms of what he should be doing, Gostkowski replied: "I'm kicking just as well as I would any other year, at this time of the year. I feel very good about it. ..." We'll feel good about it, too -- as long as Gostkowski's efforts to be ready for training camp are successful.