FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots starting right guard Ryan Wendell, who opened training camp on the physically unable to perform list after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery, practiced for the first time Tuesday.
This means Wendell, the scrappy seven-year veteran who also plays center, is officially off the PUP list.
Wendell's return boosts the team's depth along the interior of the offensive line, where rookies Shaq Mason (left guard), David Andrews (center) and Tre' Jackson (right guard) have spent most of the last two weeks as the top trio. Starting center Bryan Stork remains out of practice.
In addition to Wendell, second-year guard Caylin Hauptmann -- who spent last season on the practice squad -- practiced for the first time after opening camp on the non-football injury list.
There was also good news in other areas on the injury front for the Patriots, as tight end Scott Chandler, running back Travaris Cadet, receiver Aaron Dobson, and defensive ends Trey Flowers and Rufus Johnson returned after missing recent practices.
Those absent for the media-access portion of Tuesday's practice were receiver Brandon LaFell (PUP/left foot); cornerback Darryl Roberts (wrist); linebackers Dane Fletcher (PUP) and Dekoda Watson; offensive linemen Stork, Chris Barker and Marcus Cannon; defensive linemen Chris Jones (PUP) and Joe Vellano; and tight end Jake Bequette.
The team also announced the release of fullback Eric Kettani, while all eyes were on veteran receiver Reggie Wayne -- wearing No. 15 -- in his first practice with the team.
Photo: Reggie Wayne, wearing No. 15 in his 15th NFL season, gets to work with #Patriots. pic.twitter.com/8K9lYX4ixE
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 25, 2015