Edelman returns to practice field
FOXBORO — One day after Josh Gordon’s reinstatement, another stud Patriots receiver returned to the practice field.
Julian Edelman, who suffered a fractured thumb in July, was in full pads for the first time all summer and officially was activated off the non-football injury list.
At the outset of training camp, Edelman was expected to miss approximately three weeks. The timeline proved to be accurate.
Edelman had been present at the first 15 training camp practices, but not in uniform. He often participated in pre-practice workouts alongside veteran receiver Demaryius Thomas, who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Before the joint practices in Tennessee, Edelman and Thomas ran agility ladders and wind sprints.
Entering his 11th season with the Pats, Edelman once again projects as Tom Brady‘s No. 1 target.
In addition to Edelman, tight end Matt LaCosse and wide receiver Maurice Harris returned to practice. LaCosse suffered an ankle injury in the preseason opener against the Lions. Harris was injured on the first day of joint practices with the Titans. He did not participate in Thursday’s practice or play in Saturday’s exhibition game.
Wide receiver N’Keal Harry also was in full pads for Monday’s session. Harry was a non-participant for both joint practices in Nashville. He flew back to Boston on Thursday night to receive additional treatment for a variety of injuries. Harry is making progress and is expected to be ready for the regular-season opener against the Steelers, according to a source.
Defensive ends Derek Rivers and Shilique Calhoun were not on the practice field. Both players were injured on the same series of the win over Tennessee.
As expected, Gordon took the field with his teammates Monday afternoon. Gordon, who was placed on the nonfootball injury list Sunday, was not in pads.
Something to witness
Coach Bill Belichick appeared to be in a good mood, even when he was pressed with questions on Gordon.
Gordon was reinstated by the NFL on a conditional basis last Friday after he was suspended indefinitely by the league last season for another violation of the substance abuse policy. The wide receiver was present in the Patriots locker room before practice yesterday, but after being placed on the non-football injury list, he can’t practice for the time being.
Belichick was asked about Gordon at his press conference, and unsurprisingly referred to the statement that was released Saturday with all his answers. The Patriots coach first was asked if he had a chance to meet with Gordon yet.
“I meet with the players every day,” Belichick said.
Then he was asked if Gordon seemed to be in good spirits and excited about another opportunity with the team.
“I released a statement on that,” Belichick said. “I have nothing to add to it.”
When pressed more on the subject, Belichick decided to get in a joking mood.
“I think I covered all of that. Did you get a copy of the statement?” Belichick said. “Sorry, I don’t do MyFace, but we’re happy to give you a copy of it. That is where I’m at.”
Belichick was asked another question about Gordon and his uncertain future with the team.
“He hasn’t even been on the field yet,” Belichick said. “… I think I covered it. There’s nothing more to add. Is there another line of questioning or can the witness step down now?”
Getting a shot
No position on the Patriots roster is as in flux as the tight end spot. Ben Watson, the presumed starter, is suspended four games. LaCosse is returning from an ankle injury. Stephen Anderson also has missed practice time.
The door is wide open for other players such as Ryan Izzo, Lance Kendricks and the recently acquired Eric Saubert.
Traded from Atlanta to the Patriots less than a week ago, Saubert brings an element of athleticism to the position. He’s built more like a receiver than a tight end.
Saubert has less than two weeks to prove to the Patriots he belongs.
“I think any time you switch a team like this, catching up is the first thing you need to do,” Saubert said. “(I’ve) been in a lot of recovery mode, but it’s been good. (I’m) just staying focused.”
At the joint practices in Nashville, Saubert spent extra time with Pats tight ends coach Nick Caley.
“That’s huge for me,” Saubert said. “Just trying to soak in everything I can because I’m so behind. Him working with me, I appreciate it so much. It’s been huge.”
A fifth-round pick in 2017, Saubert caught five passes for 48 yards in 30 games with the Falcons.