FOXBORO — Patriots rookie starting left guard Jared Wilson returned to practice Monday afternoon.
Wilson injured his ankle in the Patriots’ Week 12 win over the Bengals and missed last Monday’s win over the Giants. He returns after the benefit of the Patriots’ Week 14 bye.
The Patriots got more good news at Monday’s practice, seeing safety/special teams captain Brenden Schooler (ankle) and defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga (chest) also both return to practice ahead of Sunday’s game against the Bills.
Running back Terrell Jennings (head) and outside linebacker Harold Landry (knee) were not present.
Tonga was limited in his return to practice. Linebacker Robert Spillane also appeared limited. Spillane sat out the end of Monday night’s win over the Giants, though no injury was reported in the press box or on social media.
Wilson’s return pushes Ben Brown back into a backup role at center and guard. Schooler is one of the league’s top special teams players. Getting Tonga back would help the Patriots’ run defense and short-yardage offense, since he’s also used as a fullback in certain situations.
Rookie left tackle Will Campbell (knee) and defensive tackle Milton Williams (ankle) both remain on injured reserve. Campbell was spotted in the locker room without a brace on his knee. He eventually did put a sleeve over his right leg but didn’t appear to be walking with a noticeable limp. Head coach Mike Vrabel reiterated Monday morning on the radio that Campbell’s knee injury is not expected to be season ending.
Williams has also been spotted in the locker room without noticeable limitations.
Williams can’t return until the Patriots’ Week 17 matchup against the Jets. Campbell can’t return until Week 18 against the Dolphins, at the earliest.