FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Veteran linebacker Shea McClellin, who opened the year on injured reserve with an undisclosed ailment, took an important step toward rejoining the New England Patriots defense on Wednesday with his return to practice.
It marked the first time McClellin was eligible to return to practice after being placed on injured reserve Sept. 4. The first time he's eligible to play in a game is Nov. 12 against Denver.
Teams have the option to bring up to two players back from injured reserve, and McClellin was viewed as the most likely choice among the Patriots' options that include defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (knee) and receiver Malcolm Mitchell (knee).