The wisdom of the New England Patriots is amazing.

Though it hurt to lose their own first-round choice in the Spygate incident, the Patriots had already worked out a trade with the 49ers that gives them another first-round choice. If the draft were held today, the Patriots would get the fourth overall pick.

So the Patriots should have no trouble rebounding for what was considered the toughest penalty commissioner Roger Goodell could have delivered. If they wish, the Patriots can trade down and get two first-round picks and probably end up with a better pick than they lost. After all, if the Patriots win the Super Bowl, they would have the final pick in the first round.

Strange days: It's been a strange week for Redskins cornerback Carlos Rogers. He's in Birmingham, Ala., getting ready for a knee reconstruction surgery, which is scheduled Thursday. With him at the medical rehab facility are two of his former Auburn teammates and close friends -- Ronnie Brown and Cadillac Williams. Both underwent knee reconstruction surgeries recently. Starting Friday, they can help Rogers with the rehab as they recover together.

Wounded Colts: Indianapolis paid a price for the physical game against the Patriots. They had 14 players on their injury report, including 10 players who didn't practice. The good news is that wide receiver Marvin Harrison did some limited work and has a chance to play. For this week's game at San Diego, the Colts will be without wide receiver Anthony Gonzalez, who has a dislocated leg thumb.

The concern for Colts head coach Tony Dungy may be the secondary. Cornerback Marlin Jackson (foot) and safety Matt Giordano (hamstring) are hurt. Middle linebacker Gary Brackett didn't practice because of a sore neck. Also, tight end Dallas Clark missed practice because of a concussion.

New England, Part II: The fact New England could get cornerback Eddie Jackson and receiver Chad Jackson off the physically unable to perform list is another tribute to their depth. The Patriots started the season with four PUP players. Richard Seymour returned as the starting defensive end after missing seven games. Wide receiver Troy Brown could return in the next 20 days. The Patriots, thanks to great management, have incredible depth.

Russell in Raider plans: Oakland head coach Lane Kiffin hinted Wednesday he might use rookie JaMarcus Russell as backup QB for Sunday's game against the Bears. Josh McCown will start, and there is still a chance Daunte Culpepper will be the backup.

What's clear is Russell is closer to playing. The chances of him sitting the entire year are becoming more remote. The season is slipping away from the Raiders, and they are looking at a lot of different players and a lot of new combinations.

Beck time: Another rookie who may play soon is Miami QB John Beck. Cleo Lemon is starting, but the Dolphins' second-round pick could play Sunday if Lemon struggles. Beck underwent a little bit of a midseason slump in practices with the Dolphins but has rebounded and done much better recently. It's only a matter of weeks before Beck is given the chance to start, but he could be play this week if Lemon gets off to a bad start.