ESPN

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- After his first practice session as a member of the New England Patriots, veteran defensive lineman Andre Carter admitted he got a personal workout with coach Bill Belichick before the 2001 draft and laughed when asked about what could have been after Richard Seymour -- the defensive lineman drafted sixth overall by the Patriots, and one spot ahead of Carter -- enjoyed three Super Bowl titles in New England.

Now the Patriots are hoping Carter, 66 career sacks in 10 seasons split between San Francisco and Washington, can fill the void left at pass-rushing end since Seymour's departure.

"[Belichick and Carter] did a little workout together, it was pretty fun ... for Bill," Carter said with a laugh when asked about the 2001 draft. "Besides that, it’s amazing how time flies."

Pressed on what it would have been like to be selected at No. 6, he laughed again and noted how every year rookies land in Super Bowl situations. Carter did note that Seymour deserved to be picked that high.

"It can happen to anybody," said Carter. "Granted, I knew about Richard Seymour, when I met him again, I said, "I give you props, man.'"

Before the Patriots afternoon practice, Belichick hinted at the pre-draft workout.

“Andre is a player I spent a lot of time with prior to him coming out in the [2001] draft," said Belichick. "Of course, he was five years in San Francisco and five years in Washington. I think he’s another high-quality individual, very professional, works hard, very well-conditioned athlete. He’s had a lot of production throughout his career. Last year when Washington went to the 3-4 defense, it kind of wasn’t a good fit for him in that system. But we feel like what we’ll ask him to do this year, relative to what he was asked to do last year, and what we’ve seen him do the first nine years of his career, that we could use his ability on the edge.”

Carter was one of three defensive linemen the Patriots officially added Monday, the team signing veteran Shaun Ellis from the rival Jets and bringing back Gerard Warren, who spent the 2010 season with New England. A couple other highlights from Carter's first Q&A with reporters in New England:

On competition on a beefed-up defensive line: "It’s great competition for each individual, I’m excited about that."

On signing with New England: "It’s all about opportunity... They have a great group of guys, veteran leadership. And it's all about one thing, one goal: That’s to go out there and grind, day-by-day, week-by-week. The journey is never easy."

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- After taking in his first practice as a member of the New England Patriots, defensive lineman Shaun Ellis did his best to kill his former team with kindness, but admitted that the lack of interest from the New York Jets after 11 seasons there left a bitter taste in his mouth.

"If you look at it that way, from an emotional standpoint, yeah, [the lack of Jets' interest left him bitter]," said Ellis, who wore shorts and T-shirts during New England's afternoon session and spent time with the strength and conditioning staff. "But you have to look at is as a business as well. [The Jets] had a choice of going after the guys that they feel like they need, or the guys they want to try to surround their team around. I just wasn’t in their plan. Like I said, I’m a Patriot now, I’m part of this family. I'm going to go out there and play my best."

Ellis and the Patriots reached agreement Sunday on a one-year deal, a league source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Ellis will receive $4 million this season with a chance to make another $1 million in performance incentives, a source told ESPN.com senior NFL writer John Clayton.

Asked about Ellis' decision to sign in New England, Jets coach Rex Ryan said Sunday: "The fact that he chose them, and all that, I think said before, there's no way I'm going to wish him well. There's no chance of that. I wish him to be healthy, but I don't want him to play that well."

Word clearly got back to Ellis, who offered nothing but fondness when referencing his time in New York.

"It’s Rex. I like to say I wish him well, and wish him all the success, so that’s how it is," said Ellis. Pressed on if he really feels that way towards Ryan, he added, "Yes, I do. I have a lot of respect for the guy. Obviously, I feel like it’s not mutual, but I respect him."

More from Ellis:

On his decision to join New England: "Basically, a lot of things went down and the Jets felt like they wanted to go in a different direction. So I made best decision for me and my family to come here... It was [surprising the Jets didn't want Ellis back]. It’s a business, the nature of the sport."

On being on the other side of the rivalry: "Guys change teams all the time. I’ve just been fortunate to play 11 years with the Jets. I had a great time, a great experience. It’s just one of those things. When it’s time to move on, you gotta move on. I’ve found a new home here, the guys have welcomed me in. I was a little hesitant at first; I had a little weird feeling. But once I got here, they made me feel welcome."

On thoughts on the Patriots before joining team: "It’s a team that always was on top of our division -- they still are today. [Ellis and the Jets] trying to catch them for 11 years, of course you feel something, a little kind of hatred towards the Patriots over those 11 years. I understand. They know what it takes to be a champion and they’ve been doing it. I’ve wanted to feel that feeling for however long, so hopefully that time will come."

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Observations from Friday afternoon's practice, the Patriots' eleventh of training camp, which was held in full pads and in mild conditions:

Haynesworth, Wright, Spikes among missing. Not spotted on the practice fields on Friday were defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth and Mike Wright, as well as linebacker Brandon Spikes. The injury status of these players is unclear after having all participated in Thursday's practice. Also not spotted for a second straight practice was rookie running back Shane Vereen, as well as center/guard Ryan Wendell, running back Eric Kettani, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon (active/NFI), and running back Kevin Faulk.

Wide receiver Brandon Tate was in shorts and a t-shirt, missing his first practice of camp, while safety James Sanders, who opened camp on the active/NFI list before returning to practice this week, returned to the group of players in t-shirts and shorts. He was joined in that group by cornerback Ras-I Dowling, safety/linebacker Josh Barrett, offensive linemen Kyle Hix and Matt Light, and defensive linemen Brandon Deaderick, Myron Pryor, and Ron Brace (all active/PUP).

Receivers recover after rough Thursday. After a Thursday practice filled with dropped passes, the Patriots offense recovered somewhat on Friday. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who dropped nearly a half-dozen balls thrown his way on Thursday, had one drop early in practice but also snagged a bullet from quarterback Tom Brady in the back of the end zone during red zone work, despite tight coverage from cornerback Devin McCourty. The offense still had its moments though, with quarterback Brian Hoyer and center Rich Ohrnberger sent on two laps after a botched snap exchange, while rookie tight end Lee Smith drew the ire of head coach Bill Belichick and was sent on a lap after committing a false start during red zone work. Running back Sammy Morris acted as the goal line fullback during the red zone drill, a possible role for a veteran trying to stick in a crowded backfield.

Solder remains with first team. Rookie offensive tackle Nate Solder remained with the first team offensive line, at left tackle, as veteran Matt Light continues to be held out of practice for undisclosed reasons. Solder's height and overall length seem to be a big asset for the first-round pick, helping to keep rushers at bay. Solder was also right alongside guard Logan Mankins in the mix as the team went through running game drills.

Debut for DE Anderson. After signing on Friday morning, defensive end Mark Anderson made his practice debut in the afternoon. Anderson is known more for his pass-rushing potential, and looked over-matched in the running game. If Anderson is to carve out a role with the Patriots to make the 53-man roster, it will likely come only as a third-down rusher.

Gostkowski progresses. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski was seen working with assistant trainer Joe Van Allen and special teams coach Scott O'Brien midway through practice, and later handled field goal duties at the end of the session. Rookie kicker Chris Koepplin had taken these field goals for the last several practices of camp. Gostkowski's kicking strength did not seem to be lacking, while his accuracy was slightly off, leading to about three missed kicks during the concluding drill of practice.

Ryan Mallett's arm. Quarterback Ryan Mallett is well-known for having a strong arm, but it appears that his accuracy could use some work. Mallett overthrew at least three receivers during a running back/linebacker blocking drill. Luckily for Mallett, it is unlikely that he will be called on in any game action this season, giving the young quarterback time to work through his growing pains and adjust to the NFL game.

The Patriots have issued the following practice schedule update:

Saturday, 8/6:

Practice, 1:30-4 pm

Friday marks the eighth day of Patriots training camp practices, and here is what can be expected in this space:

There is a single practice today, at 1:30 p.m (open to the public). The expectation is that quarterback Tom Brady, who was initially scheduled to speak with reporters Thursday, will hold a news conference. I'll be joined by Mike Rodak and we will post observations after the session, highlighting some of the different things that catch our eye.

Here is the schedule:

1:30-4 p.m. -- Practice (open to public)

I will be active on Twitter (@MikeReiss), although not during each practice. The Patriots ask reporters for their cooperation in the following areas:

1. Not reporting on offensive or defensive strategy, which includes formations, personnel groups or non-conventional plays.
2. No quoting players or coaches during a practice.
3. Not reporting on practice until the session is over.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- First-round draft choice Nate Solder participated in his first practice with the Patriots Thursday after signing a four-year contract earlier in the day, then met with reporters afterwards.

Solder had missed the first seven days of training camp as the sides couldn't come to a contract agreement. He was happy to put that behind him and take the field with his new teammates, at one point lining up next to starting left guard Logan Mankins because the team's returning starter at left tackle, Matt Light, did not practice.

"It was great. It's been a while," Solder said of practicing, while noting the difference between college and the NFL. "There are some great players out here. It's a challenge definitely."

Solder described his teammates as "warm and welcoming" while specifically mentioning offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer and Ryan Wendell as "two guys who have helped a ton."

Solder moved into the area about a month ago, spending time with some of his new teammates while training with them. He was asked how he spent his time during the contract stalemate.

"I just had to stay in shape and study what I had been taught on the plays beforehand," he said.

Solder didn't elaborate on what kept him out of training camp, preferring to look ahead.

"Things happen, I'm just happy to be here now. I just wanted to get out here and play," he said. "There are great coaches here and that's going to help me get ready to play."

Solder is also looking forward to learning from veterans like Matt Light and Logan Mankins.

"I have a ton to learn and to have those guys to teach me is a fantastic opportunity. I couldn't be happier about having those veteran guys," he said.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Observations from Thursday evening's practice, the Patriots' tenth of training camp, which was held in full pads and in mild conditions:

Debut of veteran signings. With the collective bargaining agreement having been ratified by the NFLPA and the 2011 NFL League Year having begun, veteran Patriots players who have re-signed with the team over the previous week were able to practice on Thursday evening. Players returning in uniform were running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Sammy Morris, guard Logan Mankins, defensive lineman Steve Williams, linebacker Tracy White, cornerback Kyle Arrington, and safety Brandon McGowan. Offensive lineman Matt Light and running back Kevin Faulk watched the practice in t-shirts and shorts.

Meanwhile, long snapper Matt Katula was in full pads for the first time this camp, while cornerback Darius Butler and defensive end Alex Silvestro returned to action after missing Wednesday evening's session.

Vereen, Wendell remain out. Rookie running back Shane Vereen was not spotted for the second straight day of practice, after having practiced on Tuesday following the signing of his rookie contract. In addition, center/guard Ryan Wendell was not spotted for the third straight practice session. The health situation of both players remains unclear. Running back Eric Kettani also remains out of action.

Players working with the strength and conditioning staff on the sidelines were rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling, who missed his second straight day of practice, as well as linebacker/safety Josh Barrett, offensive lineman Kyle Hix, offensive lineman Marcus Cannon (active/NFI), and defensive linemen Ron Brace, Myron Pryor, and Brandon Deaderick (all active/PUP).

Solder makes debut. A few hours after signing his rookie contract, first-round draft pick Nate Solder made his practice debut on Thursday evening. Despite having missed all offseason camps due to the NFL labor dispute, as well as the first week of training camp, Solder was inserted at left tackle with the top offensive unit, with usual starter Matt Light present but not in uniform for the session. Solder appeared to hold his own, making a solid second-level block on rookie linebacker Jeff Tarpinian in a running game drill.

Bad day for Ochocinco, pass catchers. Wide receiver Chad Ochocinco had a practice he'd rather forget on Thursday evening, dropping about a half-dozen passes in three different drills. One drop came after Ochocinco beat safety Brandon McGowan on a deep route, only to have quarterback Tom Brady's well-placed pass bounce off the receiver's hands. Ochocinco later dropped two passes from Brady during 7-on-7 work. Receivers Julian Edelman and Darnell Jenkins also dropped passes of their own, while tight end Aaron Hernandez couldn't corral two separate passes that came his way earlier in practice.

On the flip side, tight end Rob Gronkowski continued to have a strong camp, making a catch over linebacker Gary Guyton in 11-on-11 work, while also beating Guyton on a seam pattern during a 1-on-1 drill. Rookie tight end Lee Smith had his own impressive reception over Guyton in a 7-on-7 drill.

Mallett reps in focus. With the number of padded training camp practices limited with new CBA rules, rookie quarterback Ryan Mallett's most extensive action of camp has come during the "opportunity session" for less-experienced players at the end of practice. Mallett's offensive unit drew the ire of Belichick by not lining up correctly for one play during this session, while Mallett one-hopped a pass attempt to receiver Jeremy Ross later in the 11-on-11 drill.

Haynesworth health in focus. Defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth continued to have his reps limited in practice. When he was on the field, Haynesworth had a couple of well-fought blocking battles against guard Logan Mankins. However, Haynesworth joined a small group of rehabbing players in a stretching group after practice. He also had an extended chat with head coach Bill Belichick immediately after the session ended and before slowly walking back to the defensive line post-practice huddle, accompanied by assistant trainer Joe Van Allen.

ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell, a physical therapist who is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist and a certified strength and conditioning specialist, visited Patriots training camp Wednesday and shares her observations in a blog entry.

She focused part of her work on quarterback Tom Brady (January surgery on his right foot) and tight end Aaron Hernandez (offseason hip surgery).

"If there were any doubts about Brady's health, those can be put to rest immediately," Bell writes. "Brady was heavily involved in Wednesday night's workout, sporting a lightweight knee brace on his left leg as is customary for him. He moved fluidly to both sides and his passes were on the mark. Brady made the work look effortless, another trademark of his, but it also sent a signal that his body was cooperating. He threw several nice passes to a recent Patriots acquisition, wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who appeared to be working hard (even diving for a catch in the end zone!) and making himself at home.

"One of the most interesting notes on the evening was the amount of work Hernandez did. Considering he started on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and only began practicing within the past few days, he looked less rusty than expected. ..."

Thursday marks the seventh day of Patriots training camp practices, and here is what can be expected in this space:

Things will once again be a bit later today, with a 4:30 p.m. practice (open to the public). The Patriots adjusted their schedule in anticipation that the collective bargaining agreement will be finalized by 4 p.m., which will allow those with new contracts to practice for the first time (e.g. Logan Mankins, Matt Light, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis etc.).

The expectation is that quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick will hold news conferences before the practice. I'll be joined by Mike Rodak and we will post observations after the session, highlighting some of the different things that catch our eye.

Here is the schedule:

4:30-7:30 p.m. -- Practice (open to public)

I will be active on Twitter (@MikeReiss), although not during each practice. The Patriots ask reporters for their cooperation in the following areas:

1. Not reporting on offensive or defensive strategy, which includes formations, personnel groups or non-conventional plays.
2. No quoting players or coaches during a practice.
3. Not reporting on practice until the session is over.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Observations from Wednesday evening's practice, the Patriots' ninth of training camp, which was held in shorts and shells and inside Gillette Stadium for season ticket holders (attendance 18,334, a five-year high):

Dowling not in uniform. Rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling, who signed on Tuesday and was a full participant in Tuesday's practice, was out of uniform for Wednesday evening's practice, shadowing defensive backs in shorts and a t-shirt. Also not spotted on Wednesday night was fellow cornerback Darius Butler, who practiced and spoke to reporters following Tuesday's session

Wendell remains out. Guard/center Ryan Wendell was not spotted at practice for a second straight day. His health status is unclear. The Patriots signed two veteran interior offensive linemen on Wednesday -- Chris Morris and Jonathan Compas -- and both were in uniform on Wednesday evening. Meanwhile, running back Eric Kettani continued to remain out of action, as did safety Josh Barrett and offensive lineman Kyle Hix. Undrafted rookie defensive end Alex Silvestro missed his first practice of camp. Long snapper Matt Katula remains out of uniform but took in practice in shorts and a t-shirt.

Active/PUP defensive linemen Myron Pryor, Brandon Deaderick, and Ron Brace remained out of action, as did offensive lineman Marcus Cannon (active/NFI). Linebacker Tracy White, who cannot practice until Thursday or the start of the 2011 NFL League Year, took in the practice in shorts and a t-shirt, while offensive lineman Matt Light and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis, who also fall into that category, spoke to reporters before practice. Other players not able to practice until Thursday, and not spotted at practice were running backs Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk, offensive lineman Logan Mankins, defensive lineman Steve Williams, cornerback Kyle Arrington, and safety Brandon McGowan. First-round draft selection Nate Solder remains unsigned and out of practice.

Situational football in focus. Wednesday night's practice saw the progression of training camp move along, as the team added some situational work, including two-minute and red zone scenarios. One hurry-up situation saw the Patriots' top unit on offense advance the ball steadily, while another unit led by quarterback Ryan Mallett was unable to advance, ending the drive on an incompletion to wide receiver Matthew Slater on a deep route.

Kraft gives speech. Patriots president Jonathan Kraft spoke to the season ticket holders in attendance at the practice, praising his father, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and his efforts to "bring the sides together" on the labor negotiations that ended the NFL lockout.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Some jersey number updates for the Patriots following today's transactions:

• Rookie running back Stevan Ridley is now No. 22.
• Newly-signed undrafted rookie running back Richard Medlin is No. 37.
• Newly-signed guard/center Jonathan Compas is No. 74.
• Newly-signed guard/center Chris Morris is No. 66.
• Rookie tackle Nate Solder, who has yet to sign, is now No. 77.

The Patriots have issued the following update to this week's practice schedule:

Thursday 8/4:

Practice, 4:30-7:30 pm -- "Please note Thursday's practice could be moved earlier if the CBA is ratified by the NFLPA & new NFL league year begins earlier in the day"

Friday 8/5:

Practice, 1:30-4 pm

Cleaning out the Patriots notebook in anticipation of tonight's in-stadium practice which is a ticketed event for season-ticket holders and Foxborough residents:

1. First impressions of rookie running back Shane Vereen -- fast. He accelerates quickly. I think he'll add a different dynamic to the Patriots' backfield as a nice complement to the powerful BenJarvus Green-Ellis and quicker Danny Woodhead atop the depth chart.

2. The defense looks to be well ahead of the offense at this point and I think a big part of that is the lack of offseason camps and limited practices early in camp. Even a simple handoff, and getting the right depth between quarterback and running back, has been a challenge at times (e.g. Tom Brady and Stevan Ridley on Tuesday).

3. Linebacker Rob Ninkovich has been handling all snapping duties with Matt Katula remaining on the sidelines. It's been a while since the Patriots had a long snapper who also contributed in other areas (tight end Mike Bartrum from 1996-99), and one reason teams don't do it is the need for dedicated practice time between kicker, holder and snapper. If Ninkovich is working with the defense, that would pull him away from Stephen Gostkowski and Zoltan Mesko in practice.

4. Keeping an eye on the interior offensive line, which will obviously benefit from the return of Logan Mankins at practice tomorrow. It wouldn't be a surprise if the Patriots consider a free-agent here (they had Chris Morris in Tuesday), as the group is young and has had its hand full with Vince Wilfork and Albert Haynesworth, who have been one of the early stories of camp. Linemen like Rich Ohrnberger, Thomas Austin and Corey Woods have received some quality repetitions in recent practices as the depth has been thinned. Wilfork and Haynesworth have made life tough on them.

5. Add offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer to the list of players who have made an impression, along with inside linebacker Brandon Spikes and cornerback Leigh Bodden, among others. I looked up at Tuesday's practice and saw him maul a defender in one-on-one work. He looks like he hasn't missed a beat.

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Some assorted player quotes following Tuesday afternoon's practice:

Cornerback Darius Butler on rookie Ras-I Dowling: "He's big, he's long, he's fast. He looks like a good player."

Center Dan Koppen on new, reduced practice schedule: "It's obviously the double-edged sword. You might have less two-a-days, but that one practice that you're out here for, it's a doozy. You got to have your mind right and be ready to go the whole way through. It's a long practice. You have to be mentally into it."

Koppen on the return of Matt Light & Logan Mankins: "I can't stand it. [laughter]. No, it's great to have those guys back. The type of player that Logan and Matt are, what they've done for this team. They're such good guys, to have them in the locker room, they're good friends, so it's really good to see them come back."

Safety James Sanders on starting camp on Active/NFI: "It's something that happened in the past. I'm just working to get out there and work with the others."