Not quite sure how this one flew under the radar for so long (but I can venture a guess: perhaps because all the recent Patriots news has revolved around re-signing Randy Moss, who's going to replace Asante Samuel, Rosevelt Colvin et. al. and the related topic of who they're likely to take in the draft), but The Boston Herald reported today that tight end Benjamin Watson had ankle surgery "within the past few weeks."  The surgery is said to have revealed both scar tissue and cartilage damage and Watson's status for the start of training camp in July is uncertain.  Watson wasn't utilized as much as some of his other TE counterparts during the 2007-08 season due to both injury (he missed 4 games and finished with just 36 receptions) and the emergence of slot receiver Wes Welker (who took a lot of those short to intermediate passes Watson may have been targeted for last year prior to Wes' arrival).  2006 third round draft pick David Thomas is expected to be fully healthy this season, lessening the blow to the offense if Watson misses any time.