Crucial Patriots Defender Returns to Practice From Injury Absence

The Patriots received a welcome piece of injury news at Friday's practice as defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. was seen participating for the first time since going down on November 10 against the Bears.

Wise had five sacks through the first 10 games of the year along with seven pressures and 11 QB hits, so he was productive despite playing only 47% of the total snaps.

With New England looking more dangerous since Drake Maye took over, the 2017 fourth-round pick's return would provide a big boost to the Patriots' defense.

Patriots DE Deatrich Wise Jr. Returns to Practice on Friday

Wise was on a phenomenal stretch when he went down against Chicago. He had two sacks against the Bears and one the week prior against the Titans, an encouraging pair of games given he's an unrestricted free agent next year.

At 30 years old, he likely only has one chance at a big contract left in the NFL. Wise could sign a series of smaller deals, though he hopes to get one more huge payday before he becomes a depth piece along the defensive line.

The Patriots take on the Dolphins in Week 12 and Colts in Week 13, two offensive lines that've struggled relative to expectations entering the year. If he can return to the field and look how he did prior to injury, Wise could get the kind of contract he seeks.

Anfernee Jennings emerged as the leader along New England's defensive line but Wise still has the second-most snaps at his position. His return might go under-the-radar, yet it's important for a team trying to establish an identity under first-year coach Jerod Mayo.

Fellow defensive lineman Christian Barmore was the only player not participating at Friday's practice, indicating the Patriots should be close to fully healthy as they enter the stretch run of the season.

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