FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots head coach Bill Belichick wouldn't say definitively whether or not left tackle Matt Light will be in the lineup Saturday against the Lions, but Belichick did offer some encouraging words about Light's progress.
"If he's ready, I think he will be [playing Saturday]," Belichick said. "He's been out there. He's been able to do everything. I think his lead-up to the start of practice was good. Since he's been out on the field, he's been able to do everything we have asked him to do, so I think he's coming along. We'll see how it goes here [at Thursday's practice], see where we're at for the weekend. But I think he's close, I'll put it that way. If he doesn't play this week, I think he would be ready to play soon. Maybe he will be ready to play this week, I don't know."
Light, who had offseason shoulder surgery, debuted at practice Aug. 13. He progressed slowly at the start by sitting out during contact drills, but he since has been given the green light to fully participate. Therefore, it would make sense to see him get some reps in Detroit, even if he's not out there with the starters for the entire time.
