FOXBORO, Mass. — Safety James Sanders, cornerback Ras-I Dowling and running back Shane Vereen made their debuts Tuesday during the Patriots' eighth practice of training camp.
Sanders had been recovering from an injury and watched the previous practices from the sideline. Dowling and Vereen, the team's pair of second-round draft picks, signed their rookie contracts in time for their first practice session. First-round pick Nate Solder is the last unsigned draft pick.
Left tackle Matt Light also showed up later in the session, but he couldn't participate. He emerged from the locker room with left guard Logan Mankins.
Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth had a string of strong reps before the team shut him down about halfway through the session as they continue to monitor a knee situation and his conditioning. Haynesworth powered through four consecutive double-teams before looking gassed on the fifth rep, his last of the afternoon.
Offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, who appeared to tweak something Sunday, was absent from Tuesday's practice. It was the third padded practice of training camp.
Cornerback Kyle Arrington, safety Brandon McGowan, running back Kevin Faulk, running back Sammy Morris, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, running back Eric Kettani and defensive lineman Steve Williams joined Solder and Wendell among the missing. Kettani and Wendell were the only mysterious absentees, as the rest of the group has to deal with contractual issues, either with the team or the NFL. Arrington, McGowan, Faulk, Morris and Williams will all be eligible to practice Thursday.
Safety Josh Barrett, long snapper Matt Katula, linebacker Tracy White, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon, offensive lineman Mike Berry, defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick, offensive lineman Kyle Hix, defensive lineman Myron Pryor and defensive lineman Ron Brace were present but did not practice. White can't practice until Thursday, and the rest are recovering from apparent injuries.
