Jerod Mayo's return to the practice field got many a Patriot fan excited for the return of their favorite middle linebacker, but they'll likely have to temper that excitement — at least for another week.
The 23-year-old did practice on Friday but was listed as doubtful on the team's official injury report. A Boston.com report said that he participated in kickoff coverage in Friday's practice, which was run at half-speed. Conflicting reports were released after Mayo injured his knee in the season opener, with a timetable for return ranging from three to eight weeks. Friday's practice appearance could be a sign that Mayo might be on track to return soon.
Head coach Bill Belichick did not rule out the possibility of Mayo returning this week.
"He works hard,'' Belichick said, according to Boston.com. "He's here with a purpose and he gets a lot done. As I said, he comes in early and he stays late. … He's a hard-working player and I have a lot of respect for Jerod, everybody does.''
Other notes from the injury report have Wes Welker and Vince Wilfork listed as questionable. Wilfork was in attendance for Friday's practice for the first time this week after injuring his ankle late in the second quarter against the Falcons. Welker has practiced all week, but with limited participation.
"Guys that maybe didn't practice one of the days earlier in the week, or both of them, and then they go out there today and that's good,'' Belichick said. "We'll see where they're at [Saturday] and make a call on that on Sunday. … Truly, the term 'questionable' that's what it is. It doesn't really say where they're going to be tomorrow or the next day.''
