Today, the Patriots received some good news on the injury front. Two young players, receiver Taylor Price and rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling, both returned to the practice field after missing significant time in training camp due to injuries.
Price, a third round pick for the Patriots in 2010, hadn't been seen on the field since grabbing five passes for 105 yards in the preseason opener against the Jaguars. Price is competing with the likes of Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate at a crowded wide receiver position, and looking for playing time as the team's 4th receiver. I recently spoke with Price after one practice, and he expressed confidence in his game, saying that he felt "more comfortable with Tom" and the offense, and that he wanted to play "anywhere that I can fit in. Anywhere they can use me make plays - use my speed, use my athleticism, that's where I want to fit in."
It will be interesting to see, assuming he plays, what kind of snaps Price sees with the top offense on Saturday against the Detroit Lions.
On a similar note, Patriots rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling, who hadn't been seen since the first week of practice, also returned to the field today. Dowling has a long way to go in terms of development, but in his limited practice time, he has shown some flashes. If Dowling is ready to go against the Lions, I will be curious to see where (slot, outside, safety) and when the Patriots throw the Virginia product into the mix.