FOXBORO, Mass. — Safety Jarrad Page's return to the practice field Friday was indeed a surprising one, but he's probably a ways away from getting back on the game field.
"It's good to be back out there and see what I can do from here," Page said after practice.
Page suffered a left calf injury when he planted and then broke toward the ball during the Patriots' victory against the Ravens in Week 6, and he said "the calf just popped." Even though Page practiced Friday, he still had the calf wrapped afterward, which is an obvious sign that he's not all the way back.
It was a tough blow for Page, who was acquired via trade from the Chiefs in Week 1 and had started to emerge among the deep cast of safeties on New England's roster. In the week prior to suffering the injury, Page recorded his first interception with the Patriots against the Dolphins. He also had two special teams tackles against the Ravens.
Page remained in the meeting room and has been able to work out with the medical staff in the meantime. Since he's gotten so much praise from head coach Bill Belichick, it seems like Page could be a factor once he's fully healthy enough to return.
"It's frustrating anytime you get hurt, regardless of what the situation was," Page said. "I was starting to settle in and everything, and then it happened. It's just something I had to push through. I definitely didn't lose anything on the mental side of it. I've still got the defense, so I'm still comfortable there. It will just be working myself back into it on the field."
