FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots saw a veteran starter return to the practice field Saturday.
Defensive tackle Tommy Kelly was in his jersey, pads and shorts for the team’s third public training camp practice. He participated in individual drills but sat out during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills.
Kelly tore his ACL last season, but the 11th-year veteran’s presence at practice means he’s coming off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
One of the Patriots’ offseason stars — Daxton Swanson — was absent from the team’s first padded practice Saturday. The second-year cornerback didn’t appear to suffer an injury Friday.
Rookie cornerback Jemea Thomas, rookie offensive lineman Chris Martin and wide receiver Greg Orton also were absent from practice Saturday.
Wide receivers Aaron Dobson, Jeremy Gallon and Matthew Slater, cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, linebacker Deontae Skinner and defensive tackle Dominique Easley were present for the session, but they didn’t practice.
