Faulk, defensive lineman Ron Brace and defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick started the season on the physically unable to perform list, and all of them were eligible Tuesday to return to the practice field. The Patriots have up to three weeks to either activate them to the 53-man roster or place them on injured reserve.
"It's been a long road," Faulk said. "It's just another step, that next step to get it done, get it taken care of, get what you wanted."
Faulk said he's "pretty close to" 100 percent but wouldn't comment on whether or not he'll be ready to play next week in Pittsburgh. Still, he was happy to take that next step toward returning to the field.
"This is my first time doing this and hopefully my last," Faulk said of the injury. "It's just something I had to go through."
