Amendola returns, says he's not done yet

FOXBOROUGH — You could almost feel a sigh of relief come from the Patriots’ quarterback room when their three top veteran receivers, Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Danny Amendola, returned to the practice field on Saturday.

Edelman and Hogan had only missed a short time, mostly for rest. But Amendola had been largely missing since the first day of camp. It was likely for an undisclosed injury, but Amendola, who will turn 32 on Nov. 2, indicated that a lesser practice load is part of his plan.

“The main deal is just to be ready for the first game of the year and have my body ready to go,” Amendola said.

“Sometimes the coaches do a good job of holding me back. If I was to get out there too soon or if I wasn’t ready or if I had something that was bothering me a little bit, I would play through it and sometimes it would make things worse. I feel like pace is a huge part of being successful through preseason and then on into the season. I like to go full speed all the time. Right now, I’m kind of easing into it and getting ready."

Amendola was asked twice whether he considered retirement after winning a second Super Bowl with the Patriots.

"I still have more to play, man," he said. "My body feels really good. I feel the best I’ve felt in a long time.

“I want to play football for some more time. I’m not done yet. Wherever that may be, whatever it is, wherever it is, I want to play football at a high level, and this is where it’s going to be. I love it here. I’m going to try to make this team. I’m going to try to fill my role whatever that may be. Try to expand my role whatever that may be. Try to be here for my teammates and try to win games. That’s why I’m here."

Amendola, who has taken pay cuts each of the past three seasons to remain in New England, sure sounded like he wants to remain with the Patriots. With a deep roster at the position, his roster spot looks secure but it’s far from guaranteed.

“I love playing for this city, I love playing for this team and I love the atmosphere (Bill Belichick) brings when we walk into the building every day,” Amendola said. “I want to play good football. I feel like this is the place where I’ll be able to challenge myself and play the best football I can. And ultimately that’s why I’m here.”

Just don’t ask Amendola about his contract with Ford Models. Asked if he had any modeling gigs lined up, Amendola didn’t answer and turned for another question. He later clarified that he only wants to answer questions about football.