New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola has returned to practice for the first time since the start of training camp.
Danny Amendola is practicing, by the way. First for him since training camp began.
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) September 4, 2016
Amendola has been battling a knee injury and is finally ready to participate. It could take a few weeks to shake off the rust, but the coaching staff felt comfortable keeping Amendola on the active roster for the start of the season.
“We wouldn't activate a player unless we had the medical department clear them and we felt like he would be able to perform and participate,” head coach Bill Belichick said about activating Amendola. “Danny works hard like he always does and we feel he's ready to come off of that reserve designation.”
The Patriots depth chart at wide receiver was extremely shallow prior to Amendola’s return. Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, and Malcolm Mitchell join Amendola as the only receivers on the roster, and Edelman (foot) and Mitchell (elbow) have been dealing with injuries of their own.
Welcome back to the field, Danny. Let’s hope you’re back at 100% as soon as possible.
In other practice news, left tackle Nate Solder was in attendance after suffering what appeared to be a minor injury against the Giants. Tight end Rob Gronkowski and linebacker Barkevious Mingo were not present.