FOXBORO — The Patriots have reinforcements for their reinforcements.
Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell practiced yesterday for the first time since Sept. 6. The Patriots designated Mitchell to return from injured reserve and started a 21-day clock to determine whether to activate him to the 53-man roster or leave him on injured reserve for the remainder of the season.
Mitchell could return as early as Sunday against the New York Jets or as late as Jan. 17 in time for a possible AFC Championship Game. Or like linebacker Shea McClellin, who suffered another concussion while trying to return from injured reserve in November, the Pats could shelve him.