Pro Bowler Slater closer to returning to field
bmcgair@pawtuckettimes.com
FOXBORO – Matthew Slater has been granted permission to exit the lower practice field, a place for those who are rehabbing. Such a course of action doesn’t mean the longtime Patriots special teams ace is fully cleared to participate in training camp activities with the rest of his teammates.
On Thursday, Slater received 1-on-1 attention from the coaching staff and spent a couple of reps going up against linebacker Brandon King. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection who’s now in his 11th season with New England, Slater opened camp on the PUP list with an undisclosed injury.
Asked if the injury was serious or more the result of Bill Belichick electing to ease one of his veterans into the fray, Slater smiled and rattled off a response that was straight out of his coach’s playbook when it comes to dealing with the media.
“I’m back out here now, so I’m happy to be back,” Slater said. “I’m thankful for every opportunity I get to take the field, but it’s good to be back out there and start working on the things I need in order to prepare for the season. I’m a little bit behind so I’ve got some catching up to do.”
As for working in an in- dividualized setting, Slater once again channeled his inner Belichick.
“That’s what they wanted me to do today,” Slater said. “Stick to the plan. I would rather do whatever coach Belichick wants me to do, whatever that means.”
Naturally, missing the first six training camp practices didn’t sit well with Slater.
“It’s tough. You want to be out there with your teammates and go through the suffering of camp with them,” he said. “Sometimes those things are out of your control. Our medical staff and coaches have always done what’s best as far as my health throughout the course of my career. It’s no different in this case.”
The Patriots resigned Slater to a two-year deal in the offseason, a commitment that suggests there’s a level of job security in place. Still, if there’s one thing the 32-yearold has learned in his time in New England, it’s to never take anything for granted.
“Every year I’ve been here, I’ve had to compete for a job, especially with my role on the team. The lifespan of players like myself is usually not very long,” Slater said. “I’m not comfortable as I stand here right now.” ***
SQUIB QUICKS: Pro football agent Drew Rosenhaus, who represents Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, took in Thursday’s practice. Rosenhaus briefly interacted with Gronkowski and another one of his New England clients, offensive lineman Trent Brown, after practice. The presence of Rosenhaus suggests that a resolution to Gronkowski’s contract could be forthcoming. … Shortly after Thursday’s practice ended, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that New England is expected to shore up its receiving unit with the signing of veteran Eric Decker, who played for the Tennessee Titans last season. When the Titans came to Gillette Stadium in January for the AFC Divisional Playoffs, Decker caught six passes for 85 yards. … One of the offensive highlights from Thursday’s practice session was running back James White receiving a direct handoff and scoring. Other than Brian Hoyer serving as the quarterback as opposed to Tom Brady, the sequence was a carbon copy of the successful two-point try that White ran in during the Patriots’ comeback win over the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl LI. … Mike Gillislee wore the red no-contact jersey on Thursday while fellow running back and rookie Sony Michel did not practice. … Thursday’s practice concluded with the offense playing defense and vice versa. With safety Patrick Chung at the QB controls, the Patriots’ offense forced two incompletions.