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Matt Light Debuts at Patriots’ Practice, While Tom Brady Leads Impressive Offense

FOXBORO, Mass. — Left tackle Matt Light debuted on the practice field Saturday, although he didn't do a whole lot as he continued to ease his way back into the lineup following offseason shoulder surgery.

And just two days after the Patriots' preseason opener, some new injuries kept a few players out of practice.

Wide receiver Taylor Price, running back Danny Woodhead, cornerback Malcolm Williams, linebacker Christian Cox, defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, running back Eric Kettani, linebacker Brandon Spikes, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon, offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, offensive lineman Dan Connolly, defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick and defensive lineman Ron Brace were all completely absent from practice.

It was the first absence for Price, Woodhead, Williams and Cox.

However, after practice, Pats safety Sergio Brown tweeted a congratulatory message to Woodhead for the birth of his daughter, so that could have been the reason for Woodhead's absence.

Wide receiver Julian Edelman also missed his first practice, but he worked out to the side. He was joined by wide receiver Brandon Tate, cornerback Ras-I Dowling, running back Shane Vereen, running back Kevin Faulk, safety James Sanders, safety Josh Barrett, defensive lineman Shaun Ellis and defensive lineman Mike Wright. It was a good sign for Wright, who hadn't been spotted since Aug. 4.

The Patriots also signed offensive lineman Zach Roth (his last name rhymes with "growth"), who was carted off the field with an unknown injury an hour and a half into practice.

It was a great practice for Tom Brady and the offense, which was clicking throughout the session. Brady got into a great rhythm with both wide receiver Wes Welker and tight end Rob Gronkowski. When Brady wasn't on the field, Ryan Mallett received the second-most snaps, followed by Brian Hoyer.

Light didn't participate in any live drills, and there's no definitive timetable for when he'll be cleared for contact.

This was the 16th practice of training camp and the eighth in full pads.