FOXBORO -- It wasn't perfect, but it was a start.
Dominique Easley was removed from the Patriots physically unable to perform list on Saturday morning, making him eligible to practice for the first time since last season. Wearing a new jersey number, switching from No. 74 to No. 99, the former first-round pick had a bit of an up-and-down day, but he was able to exhibit some of the off-the-line quickness that helped make him a worthy first-round selection in the eyes of the Patriots and coach Bill Belichick.
During a one-on-one period, Easley quickly maneuvered around offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, who appeared to lose his footing on the rep. Even so, Easley's break off of the line was impressive and may have encouraged Cannon to lose his footing.
Later, with the offense and defense squaring off to work on the inside running game, Easley appeared to blow past rookie guard Tre' Jackson. In the backfield almost as soon as LeGarrette Blount took a hand-off from Tom Brady, Easley was not able to finish the play because Blount made a crafty move to elude him. Though frustrated he missed on a tackle for a loss, Easley's burst was apparent.
It wasn't a dominant practice performance from Easley -- he appeared to be snuffed out of one running play by Cannon and Jackson -- but just having him on the field bodes well for the Patriots defensive line.
The former first-round pick was placed on injured reserve last December with a knee issue, and though he was able to avoid offseason surgery, he was not spotted working out with teammates during OTAs or minicamp this spring.
In his second season, Easley hopes to be fully removed from the knee ailments that began in college -- he tore both ACLs while at the University of Florida -- and become a more regular contributor. That process, at least the on-the-field portion of it, began in earnest during New England's third training camp practice of the summer.