After losing several players to injury last Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, the New England Patriots got some good news on Thursday, when they got some of their other injured players back onto the practice field.
On Thursday, tight end Aaron Hernandez (knee), defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (back) and defensive end Mike Wright (concussion) all returned to the Patriots practice field. Hernandez hasn't played since Week 2 while Haynesworth and Wright have been held out of action since Week 1.
If you are the Patriots, you couldn't be getting Aaron Hernandez back at a better time. On Sunday, they will be facing the tough New York Jets secondary led by cornerback Darrelle Revis. Because of his unusual build as a tight end, Hernandez has the ability to stretch the field and often proves mismatches for opposing linebackers. Earlier this week, Hernandez said that if Revis is given the assignment to cover him, it would be "good matchup".
The additions of Haynesworth and Wright to couldn't come any sooner as well, as middle of the Patriots defensive line has struggled to remain healthy. With defensive tackle Kyle Love battling an ankle injury, Haynesworth and Wright could provide extra stability alongside Vince Wilfork.
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