Wide receiver and special teams co-captain Matthew Slater was back at practice Friday, his first appearance on the field for the Patriots since he injured his left wrist against the New York Jets in Week 2.
Slater was sporting a black cast on his troubled hand, but took part in stretching and position drills at the start of Friday's practice, when media were allowed to watch the goings-on.
With his return, running back Stevan Ridley (knee) was the only Patriot not on the field. He hasn't practiced all week and as a result is unlikely to suit up Sunday afternoon in Cincinnati when his team faces the Bengals.
Players will be available for media interviews in the noon hour. The final injury/practice participation report for Bengals Week will be released around 4 p.m. At that point, we'll also have game status announcements for each player listed on the report.
