Reports from Practice: Ryan Wendell returns, Hicks Present

Oct 6, 2015 at 8:46 am ET 1 min read 1.4k views

1 min read Patriots Commentary

New England Patriots guard Ryan Wendell returned to the Foxboro practice fields on Monday after sitting out the first three games of the season because of an undisclosed illness.

According to WEEI’s Ryan Hannabal, Wendell wasn’t listed on the week one injury report versus Pittsburgh but didn’t see any game action.

In weeks two and three Wendell only saw limited practice time and when asked about what has kept him away from the first three games he stated that he was just “following protocol” after being advised by Coach Bill Belichick. Wendell stated, “I just went out there and did everything they asked me to do…I don’t choose what I do and when I do it. The coaches and trainers tell me what to do on that.”

Wendell started Super Bowl XLIX for the Patriots in February and was voted a team captain for the 2015 season. He has been a Patriot since he was signed by the franchise as an undrafted free agent in 2008. In March 2014, Wendell signed a two-year contract worth over $3.5 million.

Ryan Wendell on returning to Patriots practice: "It just feels good to do your job. You don't want to get paid to do nothing."

— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) October 5, 2015

Also according to Hannable, newly acquired defensive lineman Akiem Hicks was also present for Mondays practices. Hicks, acquired by way of a trade with the Saints on Friday, spoke with the media for the first time Monday stating it’s been “bunches of fun” since he joined the team. In limited action with the Saints this season, Hicks has two tackles in three games. In 2014 and 2013 Hicks averaged 28 tackles over two seasons.

DL Akiem Hicks, who the Patriots traded for last week, meets with the media for the first time pic.twitter.com/aUPWABcAEP

— Ryan Hannable (@RyanHannable) October 5, 2015