FOXBORO, Mass. — LeGarrette Blount practiced in front of reporters Thursday for the first time this summer.
The New England Patriots running back was a full participant in the first full-team practice of training camp, taking part in both individual and team drills on the fields outside Gillette Stadium.
“It feels great,” said Blount, who also practiced Monday with a group of rookies and select veterans. “It feels great just being able to be out there with the guys and just being able to go out there and just get a feeling of the game again.”
Blount missed the end of last season after suffering a hip injury in Week 14, then sat out organized team activities and minicamp as he recovered. Based on his comments, it does not appear he’s back to 100 percent just yet, but he said the injury has healed enough that he is able practice without limitations.
“We’re good,” Blount said. “Taking it day by day. Good enough to go out there and be able to participate in all activities.”
Blount re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year, $1 million contract in April, and although he led the team in rushing yards last season, he is not a lock to make the 53-man roster. The depth chart below No. 1 running back Dion Lewis — who did not practice Thursday — is far from settled, as Blount, James White, Brandon Bolden, Donald Brown, D.J. Foster, Tyler Gaffney and Joey Iosefa all are battling for reps.
“Me personally, I’m just worried about what I can do to continue to get better and make sure I’m on the field,” Blount said.
Blount sure appeared happy to be back on the field, at one point sprinting into the end zone to congratulate wide receiver Aaron Dobson on an impressive sideline grab.
“It was a great catch,” Blount said. “It’s always good to encourage your teammates, especially when it’s one of the guys that you’re really close with. You’re always happy for guys, especially when they make plays like that.”
Thumbnail photo via Stew Milne/USA TODAY Sports Images
