Patriots' Easley, Dobson Hit Practice Field For First Time
FOXBORO (CBS) -- Two Patriots took the field for the first time in training camp on Monday.
Second-year receiver Aaron Dobson and 2014 first-round pick Dominique Easley were in uniform and on the field at Gillette for Monday's practice. Both players had been sidelined since camp opened in late July.
"They're making good progress," head coach Bill Belichick told reporters before practice.
The two spent about an hour practicing with their teammates before moving to the back field to get in additional work away from the full practice.
Dobson opened camp on the active/physically unable to perform list after undergoing surgery on a stress fracture in his left foot in March. He started nine games last season, finishing with 37 receptions for 519 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie. His return gives the New England offense an outside presence in the receiving corps.
The Patriots selected Easley with the 29th overall pick in the NFL draft out of Florida, and he also began camp on the active/non-football injury list. The defensive tackle tore both ACLs over his three-year career at Florida, but was an explosive and disruptive player on the line when healthy. He totaled 81 tackles and 5.5 sacks in 26 games played with the Gators.
Backup quarterback Ryan Mallett was absent for a second straight day on Monday as he nurses a sore knee.
The Patriots were in shoulder pads and helmets on Monday, but Belichick said Tuesday's joint practice with the Eagles will be in full pads.
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