Pats LT Wynn ups workload, now closer to return

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The blindside protector of quarterback Tom Brady is one of the New England Patriots' most important positions, and Monday delivered positive news for the club as projected starter Isaiah Wynn participated in extended, full contact 11-on-11 drills for the first time.

Wynn, who was selected with the 23rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, missed his rookie season with a torn Achilles sustained last August.

"It felt good to be able to do a little bit more," Wynn said after practice.

Wynn's importance to the Patriots is magnified by the dropoff on the depth chart after him. Veteran Jared Veldheer projected as the top backup, but he retired in May. That has left former…