Notebook: Texas natives Fleming, Roberts checking in with friends and family back in Houston

FOXBOROUGH — Several members of the Patriots have connections with the Houston area, including offensive lineman Cameron Fleming and linebacker Elandon Roberts. Fleming said Monday afternoon that ”everything is good, as far as I know,” when it comes to his friends and family surviving Hurricane Harvey -- he’s been able to check on them as needed.

“I’ve been checking in, seeing if they are safe,” said Fleming, who still has some extended family in the area. “Weathering the storm. Luckily, I’m from the northwest corner, so we didn’t get hit as hard as downtown and toward the ocean. Been fortunate that way.

“I mean, you’re always worried about people you know, but this is my job. I definitely keep my head here, especially when I’m in the building,” he added. “Just out there working, trying to get better.”

Roberts has gone through severe weather events in the past — he recalled Hurricane Rita and Hurricane Katrina, and remembers being evacuated for weeks when Rita hit Texas in 2005.

“Everybody down there right now, we’ve been through a lot,” Roberts said. “When I was young, there was (Hurricane) Rita. Katrina hit New Orleans, and that’s not too far from us. Right now, my family is doing good. I’m praying for everybody down there. Just hope for the best.

“What you can do right now is just pray for the area and hope that they can rescue the people who are trapped right now.”

Roberts was clearly moved by the decision of Patriots owner Robert Kraft to match all funds donated to the American Red Cross in support of Hurricane Harvey Disaster Relief Fund up to $1 million.

“Houston is a special city to our family and our organization,” Kraft said in a statement from the team. “The New England Patriots and our fans have celebrated two of our franchise’s greatest and most memorable moments in Houston. The city was a tremendous host for Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 and once again this past February for Super Bowl LI. Houston could not have provided more support to us during those visits, and we welcome the opportunity to provide this support when Houston needs it most.

“When natural disasters have impacted our country, they have always unified communities and rallied support throughout the nation,” he added. “We have already heard stories of heroic rescues and strangers helping strangers in this time of need. These stories have inspired us, as we always encourage bringing communities together, building bridges and helping others. We are eager to join in these efforts and provide our support.”

“It tells you a lot about Mr. Kraft,” Roberts said. “I don’t want to put any words in his mouth or anything. I don’t want to speak for Mr. Kraft in any way, but that’s just the type of guy Mr. Kraft is. He always wants to help out.”

Patriots add three more players

There were three news faces at the start of Patriots’ practice on Monday, and a look around the locker room afterward revealed three news names: defensive end/linebacker Mikey Bart, linebacker Christian Kuntz and defensive end/linebacker Nick Usher.

Bart is a 6-foot-3, 245-pound undrafted linebacker out of North Carolina who spent a portion of the spring with the Cardinals. He amassed amassed 83 tackles in his four seasons at North Carolina, including 34 in 2016.

Kuntz is a 23-year-old linebacker out of Duquesne who made his bones as a pass rusher, finishing his collegiate career with 30.5 sacks. The 6-foot-1, 232-pound linebacker had 24 tackles for loss and 11.5 sacks last year.

Usher, 22, had five sacks last year at UTEP. The 6-foot-3, 235 pounder was recently cut by the Seahawks after going undrafted.