FOXBORO, Mass. — First-round pick Nate Solder joined the Patriots on the practice field for the first time Thursday after signing his rookie contract, and the left tackle played well in limited live reps. The 10th practice of camp took place in full pads.
Seven veterans also debuted on the practice field after waiting out the ratification of the NFL's new collective bargaining agreement. Left guard Logan Mankins, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, cornerback Kyle Arrington, running back Sammy Morris, safety Brandon McGowan, linebacker Tracy White and defensive lineman Steve Williams were in that group.
Left tackle Matt Light and running back Kevin Faulk appeared on the field for the first time, but they did not participate in practice.
Rookie running back Shane Vereen, offensive lineman Ryan Wendell and running back Eric Kettani were the team's three absentees. Vereen practiced Wednesday night, so his absence is mysterious.
Cornerback Darius Butler returned to the field after missing Wednesday's session.
Cornerback Ras-I Dowling, defensive lineman Ron Brace, defensive lineman Myron Pryor, defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick, safety Josh Barrett, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon and offensive lineman Kyle Hix were also present but did not practice.
Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth finally met his match on the practice field, as Mankins got the better of the matchups between the two players who might be the strongest on the team. The Patriots double-teamed Haynesworth early during his live reps against offensive linemen — mostly using Dan Koppen, but Solder was in there once — but Mankins held his own in one-on-one battles in all but a single rep. Haynesworth participated in about 10 live reps in the first half of the practice.
