FOXBOROUGH – As the Patriots turn the corner to their final four games the focus is slowly shifting toward the younger players on the roster as they look for a strong finish that can serve as something to build from this offseason.

Rookie tackle Caedan Wallace is one of those key young players. The third-round pick landed on injured reserve after just four games this season but returned to practice earlier this week.

For a team with major questions about the future at both tackle positions, Wallace has an opportunity to show he could be an important part of the mix going forward if he's able to return to the game field and add some more game action under his belt.

"It could be as soon as this weekend," said Jerod Mayo on Wednesday of Wallace's pending return, calling the one padded practice, "A big day for a lot of guys who haven't played a lot this year, Caedan being one of them, to go out there in pads and see what it looks like."

Wallace showed no ill effects of that practice on Thursday when he met with the media and offered an update on his status.

"[I] had a long recovery process, and I'm glad to be back on the field, back out with my guys, and I'm enjoying practice," said Wallace.

After working at both tackle spots throughout the summer, Wallace served as a sixth offensive lineman in three of the team's first four games. Against the Jets in Week 3, Wallace was thrust into the starting lineup at left tackle, playing 38 snaps (73 percent) in a 24-3 loss.

Though he's missed most of the season, he used the time wisely, breaking down his own film and finding what needs to improve.

"I definitely had more time to dive into film and kind of pick myself apart more and see things that I'm going to work on more getting back in the field," said Wallace. "I'm hoping that what I learned will slow the game down. That's what everyone says happens as you learn the game more. So I know it's a work in progress, so I'm just kind of excited to get back out there and see what I learned."

Despite the offensive line's struggles this season as they've dealt with turnover and injuries, Wallace felt like the hard work was starting to pay off and that the line as a whole is starting to trend in the right direction.

"I think what Coach Peters is teaching us is really starting to hone in and work for guys, and it's exciting to see what we're going to do in the future," said Wallace. "For me, it's just continuing to stay consistent and learn and show what I've learned. So I'm excited to see what I can do in these next four games and get back out there as soon as I can"

Belichick to UNC Reactions

Press conferences and defensive coach interviews were abuzz with the news that former Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had come to an agreement to be the next coach at the University of North Carolina.

Naturally, his son Brian Belichick's interview room was a popular spot for the media and their cameras. The younger Belichick jokingly jumped right in on a Cardinals scouting report before acknowledging did in fact know why everyone was crowding in around him.

"Really happy for my dad," said Belichick. "A lot of people are excited, including him, and it's going to be fun to watch."

Brian dismissed questions if he'd be joining his father in Chapel Hill, relaying that his focus has remained fully on the Arizona Cardinals.

"Personally, I have my hands full today getting ready for practice out there on the fields," said Belichick. "You know, this is an especially big day for us because we're leaving tomorrow. So, a lot to talk about today and get straight, like every week in the NFL, there's a lot to talk about dealing with these great offenses, week by week, and this week is obviously no exception. So, we have our hands full here, and that's my focus, going to Arizona and getting a win."

Some of the Patriots players agreed that the elder Belichick would quickly get the Tar Heel program up to his high standard.

"I think he'll do great," said Christian Elliss. "I think that he's gonna adjust well. I think he's not considered one of the greatest of all time for no reason. I think he'll adjust to the college game, to NIL, to all the stuff they have to deal with, their classes, all that. They'll figure out a way to make the program great."

"I didn't expect it, but it's pretty cool," said Mike Onwenu. "You know, I think college kids will really take advantage of that and really just want to soak everything up from him. So, I think it works well on both sides, for him, and then for the kids as well."

Onwenu did offer one bit of advice for Belichick's future players.

"Take a notebook and bring a pen or a pencil, they're gonna write a lot of notes."

Quotes of Note

Christian Elliss on the final four games:

"We can't regress. There's nowhere else to go except for up. You know, we've done a lot of good things this year. We haven't been able to string what we wanted to together, a lot of close games… this game is a game of inches, so we want to finish these last four games strong. That's the best we can do."

Alex Van Pelt on Drake Maye's development:

"I think for him, it's just that continued growth. I think he's trending in the right direction. I thought he played his best game last week. You know, it's all the little things. He's improving every area … play action pass, keepers, carrying out his fakes on the run game, all those things. So there's a lot of stuff he still needs to work on but I think he's improving each week."

Brian Belichick on the game of football:

"Just talking about the sport of football, there's so much to talk about on every play. There's so much to talk about, and there's obviously a lot of plays in every game, and so many things can impact the outcome that I think it's an endless source of learning and entertainment. It's an incredible sport, best team sport in the world. And I'm very fortunate to have got an opportunity to learn about it early in my life, and to have an opportunity to work here, and to be a part of the game daily."

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