FOXBORO, Mass. — Aaron Dobson and Dominique Easley made their triumphant return to the New England Patriots practice field on Monday.
Their presence marked the first time either player has practiced in Patriots training camp this summer. Defensive tackle Easley, a 2014 first-round pick, is coming off a torn ACL suffered in September during practice with the Florida Gators. Dobson is returning from surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot. The wide receiver was drafted No. 59 overall in the second round of the 2013 NFL draft.
Easley and Dobson were not full participants in practice. They both left the main practice field for the New England Revolution’s lower practice field midway through practice.
Linebacker James Anderson also returned to practice after missing Sunday’s session.
Backup quarterback Ryan Mallett missed practice for the second consecutive day. Mallett’s left knee appeared to bother him after he slid during Thursday night’s preseason game against the Washington Redskins. Mallett wears a brace on his left knee.
Cornerback Brandon Browner was absent at practice. It was the first time the newly signed cornerback has missed a Patriots training camp practice. Running back Tyler Gaffney, tight ends Michael Hoomanawanui and D.J. Williams, linebacker Cameron Gordon, center Bryan Stork, offensive lineman Chris Martin, wide receiver Jeremy Gallon and defensive tackles Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga did not participate in practice.
Cornerback Malcolm Butler and tight end Rob Gronkowski both put on red non-contact jerseys midway through practice. Gronkowski is recovering from a torn ACL. Butler’s injury is unknown.
