The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... Dobson continues to remain hopeful he’ll be cleared to practice any day, but one of the most important Patriots on injured lists is in a holding pattern. HC Bill Belichick often discusses the day-by-day nature of rehabilitation work, and Dobson is in the thick of it, rebuilding strength to prevent re-injury upon his return. As of yesterday, Dobson doesn't have a scheduled date for his training camp debut, according to sources.

Diehards Line: According to Herald staffer Jeff Howe, sources revealed a new detail about the March 10 surgery to repair a stress fracture in his left foot. The surgery actually required the insertion of a permanent screw to aid the healing process, which speaks to the magnitude of the procedure. The initial timetable was estimated at 2-3 months, but that is now an overly optimistic projection. Dobson didn’t even begin running until July, and that progression ultimately leads to aggressive planting and cutting. The second-year wideout and potential starter has been conditioning off to the side of the first four training camp practices, but his change-of-direction work hasn’t been showcased much out in the open. Because stress fractures come with a high re-injury risk before a completed healing process — the injury popped twice on him last season -- the Patriots medical staff is making sure Dobson is able to handle the rigors of the job before allowing him on the field. Stay tuned. The Patriots have high hopes for Dobson, but he needs to get on the field to meet them.