Mike Wright Returns While Aaron Hernandez, Thomas Williams Engage in Minor Scrap

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Aug 9, 2010

FOXBORO, Mass. — Leigh Bodden‘s return to the field didn’t last all that long. After appearing in a walkthrough Monday morning, the Patriots’ cornerback missed Monday afternoon’s full-pads practice, which marked the third consecutive padded practice he’s missed with a minor knee injury.

However, defensive lineman Mike Wright returned after missing nine consecutive padded practices, which helped the Patriots add depth to the line around Vince Wilfork.

Wide receiver Torry Holt missed his first practice, but he worked out to the side with defensive lineman Ron Brace and cornerback Terrence Johnson. Also missing were wide receiver Matthew Slater, safety Bret Lockett, linebacker Gary Guyton, outside linebacker Derrick Burgess, left guard Logan Mankins, offensive lineman Ty Warren and newly signed safety Josh Barrett, who isn’t expected to play for the team this year after undergoing shoulder surgery.

Before the afternoon practice, the Patriots released wide receiver Buddy Farnham and defensive lineman Adrian Grady. In turn, they signed safety DeAngelo Willingham and guard Darnell Stapleton. Willingham and Stapleton each practiced.

Here are some other observations from the afternoon session.

Business Meeting?
A day after reportedly playing golf together, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and owner Robert Kraft shared some words at the conclusion of practice. Brady immediately walked up to Kraft after the team broke the huddle, and they were talking and laughing together for about a minute or two.

Work in Pinstripes
The Patriots practiced in front of NFL officials for the first time during training camp, and the officials did their work to throw flags during each drill they witnessed, including one-on-ones between the wide receivers and defensive backs. At one point, Brady asked an official to flag a defensive back for pass interference due to some contact in the end zone.

Getting After It
Tight end Aaron Hernandez and linebacker Thomas Williams got tangled up during a drill, and Williams wound up pulling Hernandez to the ground. When the two got up, Hernandez appeared to have some words and lobbed a football at Williams’ back. It’s time for these guys to go up against another team for a change.

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