The Facts: The Boston Globe reported that Blount failed his conditioning test with the New England Patriots to open training camp, forcing him on to the non-football injury list. Blount can come off the list as soon as he passes his test.

Diehards Line: As NFL.com suggests, this isn't a huge deal, but it's a reminder that Blount has struggled with motivation and various off-field issues since he entered the league. The Steelers, after all, let him go last November for being a less-than-stellar teammates. The good news? Blount has an extra week to get in shape this season because he is suspended for the season opener against Pittsburgh after violating the league's substance-abuse policy. That means one of the following Patriots players will start at running back that day: Jonas Gray, Travaris Cadet, Brandon Bolden, or James White. ... Stay tuned.