Dont'a Hightower, Nate Solder among those returning to practice

Linebacker Dont’a Hightower, left tackle Nate Solder and defensive end Deatrich Wise were all back on the practice field for the Patriots Tuesday afternoon.



The biggest news involved the return of Hightower, who had started the summer on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. But his appearance in pads Tuesday means that the veteran linebacker is now off PUP and ready to go for the regular season, which is two weeks away. The 6-foot-3, 265-pound Hightower, a defensive captain, is one of the unquestioned leaders in the middle for New England.

Meanwhile, Solder had been sidelined for much of the last two weeks. His absence — and the occasional struggles of backups like La Adrian Waddle and Cam Fleming — underscored the fact that the Patriots are still trying to figure out who might be capable of stepping up and working as the swing tackle. (Waddle was also on the field Tuesday after sustaining a concussion earlier in the month.)

Wise, who also sustained a head injury, was back on the field for the first time since the preseason opener, when he went down in the first half. The rookie has flashed positively throughout the summer, particularly as a pass rushing threat. Wise appears to be one of a few candidates to move into the void created by the retirement of edge rusher Rob Ninkovich.

One other injury note: according to reports, running back Mike Gillislee, who has been slowed by a hamstring issue, was present at the start of the workout.

In other injury news, linebacker Elandon Roberts, who suffered a rib injury in the preseason loss to the Texans, was wearing a red non-contact jersey, while Matthew Slater, Shea McClellin, Tony Garcia and Matt Lengel were all reportedly not spotted in the brief window afforded to the media.