FOXBORO -- Monday's practice was filled with mixed emotions for Matthew Slater.
Of course the seven-year veteran, four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro was happy to be on the field for the first time during training camp. He spent the Patriots first nine practices on the physically unable to perform list and was relegated to the role of spectator while his teammates prepared for the 2015 season.
But when Slater was removed from the team's PUP list and finally able to strap on his helmet and shoulder pads again, it came with a caveat: He would not be able to hit anyone.
Donning a red jersey that identified Slater as a player still recovering from injury who is prevented from engaging in any contact, the excitement that came with a return to play was tempered significantly.
"Not fun," he said. "Red means stop. It’s not something that I’m used to doing, but the medical staff knows what’s best for me, so you just have to listen to the doctor’s orders and take it one day at a time."
Slater's job as a special teams ace is predicated on what he's often described as "hand-to-hand combat." In covering kicks, he's accustomed to running full speed with some of the league's fastest players, shaking free of their grasp, and pursuing an elusive returner to make a tackle as quickly as possible.
The contact that comes along with his gig is not only an element of the game that he welcomes. He has achieved near-perfection in the technical aspect of fighting for space while moving at top speed. It's a brutal art that's earned him recognition as one of the game's best at his position.
New England Patriots
But for now, that part of what he does will have to wait.
"It’s my job to be obedient, listen to the staff," Slater said. "They have a plan. They’ve done this before, so I’m just trying to do everything that they want to have me do and take it one day at a time and hopefully come back and be a contributing member of this team."
Though the itch to hit will linger, for now, being a limited participant in Patriots practice will have to suffice. At least it's an improvement on what he was able to do through the first week-and-a-half of training camp.
"It’s like the first day of school," Slater said. "It’s fun to be back out there with the guys. I love football. I’ve loved football my whole life and any chance you get to go out here to do what you love more, you get anxious and excited."
Another plus? Having a chance to finally defend himself from the jabs of his teammates who have been competing against one another since July 30.
"They’ve been teasing me, telling me I’ve been on vacation," Slater said. "There’s something about playing the game of football, being in your shoulder pads and helmet and being out there with your teammates -- nothing can simulate that. Working on the side, or whatever it is they have you doing from day to day, just isn’t the same as playing."