FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots' first padded practice involved a minor dust-up and a decent amount of contact underneath a hot sun Saturday.
Defensive lineman Marlon Favorite and offensive lineman Dan Connolly appeared to be the pair at the center of the scrum toward the tail end of the session, but it quickly subsided in typical training camp fashion.
Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, cornerback Kyle Arrington, defensive lineman Ron Brace, running back Kevin Faulk, guard Logan Mankins, running back Sammy Morris, defensive lineman Myron Pryor and running back Eric Kettani were all absent. Arrington, Green-Ellis, Faulk, Morris and Mankins can't practice due to the NFL's quirky post-lockout rules about contract statuses.
Unsigned draft picks Nate Solder, Ras-I Dowling and Shane Vereen were also absent.
Safety James Sanders, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon, defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick, safety Josh Barrett, long snapper Matt Katula and offensive lineman Mike Berry worked out off to the side, giving the indication that they're on the physically unable to perform list.
Aaron Hernandez participated in his first practice after watching the two longer sessions Thursday and Friday.
