FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth returned to practice Tuesday after missing nearly three weeks of action.
Haynesworth, who observed Saturday’s walkthrough but did not participate, was in full pads for the first time since Aug. 4. Haynesworth had missed 12 practices and two preseason games since his last session.
Left tackle Nate Solder missed his first practice since signing his rookie contract and debuting Aug. 4. Solder was in the locker room for a brief moment Tuesday, and there was nothing out of the ordinary with him as he strolled through.
Running back Danny Woodhead and linebacker Gary Guyton returned to practice after missing Monday’s session. Woodhead also missed Saturday’s walkthrough.
There were 18 players missing from Tuesday’s practice, including Solder, running back Stevan Ridley, cornerback Leigh Bodden, running back Shane Vereen, safety Josh Barrett, running back Kevin Faulk, cornerback Malcolm Williams, running back Eric Kettani, linebacker Jeff Tarpinian, linebacker Dane Fletcher, linebacker Brandon Spikes, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon, offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick, tight end Lee Smith, linebacker Jermaine Cunningham, defensive lineman Ron Brace and defensive lineman Mike Wright.
Wendell has missed 16 consecutive practices, but he was present in the locker room Tuesday and didn’t have any noticeable injury. He also worked out off to the side of the field, so he is obviously getting closer to returning to action.
Prior to Tuesday’s practice, Belichick said Bodden “looks healthy,” but he has missed the last three sessions.
