Demaryius Thomas removed from PUP list
FOXBOROUGH — The Patriots received more reinforcements for their receiving corps Tuesday when Demaryius Thomas was removed from the physically unable to perform list and practiced in light pads and a helmet for the first time this summer.
Thomas had been on the PUP list as he recovered from a torn Achilles’ tendon suffered in Week 16 last season, when he was with the Texans. The 6-foot-3-inch, 225-pound Thomas is a four-time Pro Bowl selection with five career 1,000-yard seasons on his 10-year résumé.
A regular attendee at training camp practices, Thomas ramped up his activities recently and was spotted running straight-line sprints last week when the Patriots were in Nashville. He also has played some casual games of catch with Tom Brady during some sessions.
Thomas, who had been incredibly durable during his career, has 132 games and 118 starts under his belt. He’s also started 10 playoff games and won a Super Bowl with the Broncos.
His appearance comes one day after Julian Edelman was removed from the non-football injury list, and Josh Gordon, who remains on NFI, worked with teammates for the first time this summer. Additionally, top draft pick N’Keal Harry came back to practice Monday after not practicing or playing in Nashville because of an apparent leg injury suffered the previous week in Detroit.
Suddenly, a pass-catching crew that lacked experience and depth has gained a lot of both.
Team players
As Nick Brossette powered his way around right end for a 6-yard gain Saturday night in Nashville, Matthew Slater was propelling his way down the Patriots sideline, emphatically signaling a first down.
Brossette’s run effectively killed the clock and ensured that the Titans wouldn’t get the ball back in New England’s 22-17 victory.
It was the second-to-last play of a preseason game, but that didn’t matter to Brossette, a rookie free agent fighting for a roster spot, or Slater, a 12-year veteran and perennial Pro Bowl selection. They were both giving a full effort, and it underscored just how strong this club’s bond is from top to bottom.
“We’re all in this together,’’ Slater said Tuesday, smiling at the memory. “We always talk about family and brotherhood, and it’s one thing to say that, but it’s another thing to show it and make guys feel like they’re supported, celebrating in their success.
“So I think that’s really important. So I think if this team wants to get anywhere near where we think it should be, that brotherhood is going to be a big part of it.’’
A common sight during the exhibition season is projected first-stringers and other veterans milling around the sideline in shorts, T-shirts, and caps. That’s not the case with the Patriots. Every eligible player dresses for every preseason game, even if the plan is for them to be strictly a spectator.
“It comes from the top,’’ said safety Devin McCourty. “I think it’s cool and I think it mentally keeps you into the game and I think, most importantly, it allows us to be there and lock in with our teammates.
“I know for me now, as a veteran guy, when I’m on that sideline and I didn’t play last week or the week before, I’m all in, I’m trying to help these guys because that’s what it’s all about.
“We’re not all out here playing for ourselves to try and get better, it’s about the bonds that we build over time, and we want to see them play their best football to make the team or make another team.’’
Itching to play
Brady likely will see his first game action Thursday when the Patriots host the Panthers. At least he’d like to.
“I hope so,’’ the quarterback said during his weekly radio appearance on WEEI Tuesday morning. “We’ll see what Coach decides. I hope to be out there.’’
Asked about Gordon, Brady said, “Everyone’s excited to have him back,’’ but he didn’t directly address the ESPN report that he and his wife, Gisele Bundchen,
have had dinners with Gordon.
“In general, I have had a great relationship with a lot of the guys — almost every guy I have ever played with,’’ Brady said. “I have had a quarterback/receiver relationship, whether it’s with Julian, or Troy Brown, or Wes [Welker], or Randy [Moss].
“We talk a lot. We communicate a lot, and you want to see everybody that you work with and play with be the best they can be, and you try and support and empower the best way you can.
“It’s different for everybody. Everybody comes from different places and I always try and do the best I can do.’’
Out of sight
Defensive ends Michael Bennett, Derek Rivers, and Trent Harris, safety Patrick Chung, linebacker Shilique Calhoun, and offensive lineman Martez Ivey were not spotted during the part of the shorts-and-shells practice that was open to the media . . . Tight end Matt LaCosse, who suffered a sprained ankle in the Detroit game, practiced for the second straight day and when approached in the locker room indicated he was feeling good.