FOXBORO -- The Patriots took to the practice fields for the first time on Monday without receiver Julian Edelman in the fold. Perhaps with that loss on the team's mind, a rare full-squad huddle was called by the coaching staff before the workout began in earnest.
Re-joining the team for the session was special teams ace Matthew Slater, who has not practiced since early in training camp. Getting the kicking-game captain back on the field for practice nearly two weeks before the Week 1 opener could be key for those units.
Also back on the field was running back Rex Burkhead, who was not spotted at practice last week following his impressive outing against the Texans in preseason game No. 2. He did not travel with the Patriots to Detroit for their game last week.
Geneo Grissom and Deatrich Wise, both of whom left the practice field after stretching during workouts last week, remained on the field for positional drills.
Joining Edelman among the missing were Malcolm Mitchell, Nate Ebner, Harvey Langi, Shea McClellin, Tony Garcia, Nate Solder and Derek Rivers. Langi played in Friday's game against the Lions, looking effective in his role as a kick-coverage player. Solder practiced last week, and his status obviously bears watching.