It took Notre Dame football coach Charlie Weis only seven games to earn a new contract.

Tedy Bruschi will be activated, will play and could start Sunday night for the New England Patriots against the Buffalo Bills depending on the Bills' opening formation, coach Bill Belichick told ESPN on Saturday.

Tedy Bruschi practiced again Wednesday, two days after his first practice with contact in more than eight months since he had a mild stroke.

``I am fully anticipating practicing (tomorrow),'' said Bruschi, a day after receiving medical clearance from Dr.

New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi plans to return to practice on Oct.

New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi has been cleared by team doctors and could return to practice this week, eight months after suffering a mild stroke.

Running back Corey Dillon was not in the starting lineup against the Broncos on Sunday.

New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison tries to ignore the possibility that his career might be over, and is determined to return from a season-ending knee injury.

New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi is working toward a return to the Patriots -- this season, not next -- thanks to a faster-than-expected recovery from the stroke that sent him to the emergency room just days after playing in his first Pro Bowl.

According to sources with knowledge of the injury, the broken foot suffered by running back Kevin Faulk is very serious and could potentially affect his career.

The New England Patriots might be without three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Richard Seymour for Sunday's game in Atlanta.

Rodney Harrison will not return to the Patriots' lineup this season, and perhaps, never again.