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Connolly Next Man Up For Patriots

FOXBORO (CBS)- Dan Connolly is once again in the New England Patriots spot light.

In 2010, Connolly was the man responsible for filling in for Logan Mankins during his hold out.

He also showed off his stuff, when a short kick on a kickoff came his way against the Green Bay Packers. Connolly scooped up the ball, and returned it 71-yards to the one yard line, setting up a Patriots touchdown right before halftime.

Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog

Now it's his turn to step up again, filling in Dan Koppen at center. When Koppen went down with a broken ankle on Monday night, Connolly stepped in and the Pats did not miss a beat.

Versatility is Connolly's game.

"I feel that's why I'm here. I showed versatility early on. I can play multiple positions," Connolly said Wednesday in the Patriots' locker room.

The six-year veteran says, this is just another way he can help this team.  Many would think the center exchange between he and Tom Brady is foreign, but Dan says he's more that ready.

"I had gotten comfortable with it (the exchange) in practice, not in a game," said Connolly. "I think he trusted me, that I could do it."

Read: Vollmer Returns To Patriots Practice

"Dan's been here quite a while now," said Brady. "He's worked on it. He's expected to perform well. Dan and I have worked together for a long time. He did a damn good job. I trust him to do his job. I have to focus on what I have to do."

Tune in to the Patriots-Chargers game Sunday at 4:15pm on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV. Tune in to Patriots Gameday at 11:30am on WBZ-TV and The Sports Hub's pregame coverage, beginning at 1pm. After the game tune in to the Postgame show on 98.5, and to Patriots Fifth Quarter on TV38.

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