Earlier in the season, it was thought that the return of Patriots OLG Logan Mankins to the team after Week 10 might negatively affect the team's chemistry, especially considering the success of the offense without him. When he  returned earlier than expected, days before the Week Nine game against the Browns, there was no animosity but plenty of excitement. Asked in a conference call about his reaction to Mankins' return, RB coach Ivan Fears responded, "Are you kidding? The guys are jumping for joy." We hear it is possible Mankins will ease into the lineup, rotating with OG Dan Connolly beginning in Week 10 before he regains the starting job. Once Mankins does start, it gives the Patriots a Pro Bowler at guard and a stellar short-yardage fullback in Connolly. When Connolly has left his guard position to play fullback this season, Ryan Wendell filled in on the O-line, and that's a downgrade. Now, Connolly can play fullback with Mankins run-blocking, a better situation for the Pats.