Vince Wilfork enters 9th season with more new teammates

FOXBOROUGH (AP) - Vince Wilfork is getting used to new playing partners along the defensive line - again.

Entering his ninth season, the New England Patriots slimmed-down lineman is working with veteran newcomers Jonathan Fanene and Trevor Scott and rookies Chandler Jones, a first-round pick, and Jake Bequette, taken in the third.

Gone from last season are Andre Carter, Mark Anderson, Shaun Ellis and Mike Wright.

Wilfork said before Wednesday night's practice he can play with anybody.

As a rookie nose tackle in 2004, Wilfork started six games. Richard Seymour, Ty Warren and Keith Traylor were the primary starters along the three-man line.

Since then, other defensive line starters included Jarvis Green, Ron Brace, Derrick Burgess, Tully Banta-Cain, Brandon Deaderick, Gerard Warren, Landon Cohen, Kyle Love, Myron Pryor, Eric Moore and Rob Ninkovich.

Cox Media Group