https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwpIJF26_U0
I had a feeling there would be some injured players returning to practice today as the Pats lock in on their most-hyped third preseason game in Detroit this Friday and I was right.
The headline is Dont’a Hightower coming off of the PUP list, rocking some Ninja Turtle socks and going through drills with the defensive linemen (?). Others to return to the padded practice included Nate Solder, Mike Gillislee, LaAdrian Waddle and Deatrich Wise.
Obviously it’s always good news to get players back from injury, especially now as we’re closing in on the regular season kickoff in just a little over two weeks. Most of the starters should get a half-plus of work against the Lions before the team shuts just about everyone of importance down for next week’s preseason finale against the Giants.
However it wasn’t all great news, as Rex Burkhead and Malcolm Mitchell were both new absences from practice. They join previously missing players Matthew Slater, Shea McClellin, Matt Lengel and Tony Garcia.
Incredibly, Elandon Roberts, last seen getting carted off in considerable pain with a rib injury, was at practice but rocking a red “no contact” jersey. No question, Roberts is old school tough. This makes multiple times he appears to sustain a significant injury in a game only to be right back out there shortly thereafter.
Injuries become more and more important to monitor at this time of year. There are some extremely important players amongst those dealing with something at this point, none more important than Solder and Hightower, so today has to be seen as a positive step forward.