Wes Welker, just eight months removed from an ACL knee injury and six months after major surgery to repair it, has been taken of the active/physically unable to perform list and will practice with the Patriots on Sunday.
Patriots' Director of Pro Personnel Nick Caserio made the announcement, saying that Welker had passed his physical.
"Every player has to go at their own pace. But Wes is a unique guy, there's no question about it. He realizes he has to go out there and prove himself once again regardless of what's happened in the past, just like any player, it's a tribute to him, and his work ethic and his toughness that he's back out on the field. We'll see how it goes."
Welker has been seen running and conditioning in individual drills off to the side during the Patriots' first seven practices, including five conducted in full pads. New England's second practice of Sunday is scheduled for 3:45 P.M. EDT.
Nothing is certain still, but this continues to indicate that Welker will indeed be ready for the regular season opener against the Bengals Sept. 12.