Patriots’ Colvin returns to practice
Linebacker Rosevelt Colvin practiced with the New England Patriots on Sunday for the first time since breaking his left hip in the second game of last season.
“It’s almost a year from when the surgery happened, and I don’t know if I’m normal or not,” Colvin said. “I have to get out there in a live practice, a live game situation, to see if my production level is the same as before.”
Colvin joined the Patriots after the 2002 season, leaving the Chicago Bears to sign a six-year, $25 million contract to help bolster New England’s pass rush. He has 28 career sacks and had two last season before the injury on Sept. 14.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick said Colvin’s progress was on schedule, but did not say whether the six-year veteran would play for the defending Super Bowl champions in their preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Friday.
“He’s come along, he’s worked hard, he’s made some steady promise. He’s not there yet, but hopefully he will continue to make strides in that direction,” Belichick said.
Eagles welcome back Trotter
Linebacker Jeremiah Trotter signed Philadelphia’s contract and pulled on the No. 51 jersey, then sweated and studied with his teammates during training camp and renewed acquaintances with friends in the organization.
None of it truly made him feel like an Eagle again.
No, the moment that will hit him harder than one of his tackles is the Sept. 12 season opener against the New York Giants — his first official game as an Eagle since his return.
“When I go out there the first game and the crowd is roaring and we’re all amped up ready to go out against New York, that’s when it’s really going to hit me,” Trotter said.
Trotter, a third-round draft pick in 1998, had established himself as one of the premier middle linebackers in the NFL during his time in Philadelphia, going to the Pro Bowl in 2000 and 2001.
After the 2001 season, the Eagles placed the franchise tag on Trotter, which he strongly protested. His relationship with coach Andy Reid and team president Joe Banner quickly deteriorated and he signed with the Redskins soon after the Eagles removed the tag, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Trotter, however, never lived up to the seven-year, $35 million contract he received from the Redskins.
“I met some great people there, but I didn’t enjoy it for the simple fact that we weren’t winning,” Trotter said.
Around the league
Several Buccaneers players were nursing minor injuries and missed the morning practice. Wide receiver Joey Galloway had what coach John Gruden called “sore legs.” He is day to day. So are tackles Todd Steussie and Kenyatta Walker, both with knee swelling. … Eagles wide receiver Terrell Owens had limited practice as a precaution for a tight groin while defensive end Jerome McDougle, safety Brian Dawkins, tight end Ronnie Ghent, guard Jamaal Jackson, tackle Jon Runyan and defensive tackle Darwin Walker all missed practice with injuries. … Titans linebacker Brad Kassell (lower leg laceration) is still unable to practice but may be able to jog this week.