Morris is new running mate

Newcomer Sammy Morris brings a skill set similar to that of predecessor Corey Dillon. (BARRY CHIN/GLOBE STAFF)

FOXBOROUGH -- Last year, the Patriots called on a 1-2 running back punch of Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney. This year's combo has a different look, with Maroney teaming up with free agent signee Sammy Morris.

The style of play, however, might look similar to Patriots fans.

"[Maroney's] faster and maybe a more elusive guy, so whereas he's trying to make a move, I'm more prone to lower the shoulder and get over him," Morris said yesterday after the second day of Patriots minicamp. "We both have different attributes and I think they complement each other."

Maroney (5 foot 11 inches, 220 pounds) and Morris (6-0, 218) have yet to work side by side, as Maroney remains limited after undergoing offseason shoulder surgery. Maroney was present yesterday, although he was essentially a spectator, which meant plenty of opportunity for Morris to integrate himself into the Patriots' offensive system.

Morris, who wore a red noncontact jersey as a precaution after also undergoing shoulder surgery in the offseason, has begun preparing himself for full-time duty, which he said has been his approach since Pop Warner.

Should Maroney experience a setback in his rehabilitation, one Patriots teammate believes Morris could step in. "He's a legitimate guy who can come in and be an every-down back," said receiver Wes Welker, who played with Morris last season in Miami. "He's one of the more underrated backs around the league."

Morris's career high for carries (132) and yards (523) came in 2004, his first season in Miami. He also is a capable threat as a receiver, showing smoothness in the passing game during the last two practices, and figures to also contribute on special teams.

"I'm enjoying myself," said Morris, who has spent his entire career in the AFC East. "I've admired what the Patriots have done from across the way, whether it's in Buffalo [2000-03] or Miami [2004-06]. I'm just glad to be part of this and get on board with these guys and hopefully we'll achieve our goals."

Safety Brandon Meriweather, the team's first-round draft choice, was not present during on-field practices yesterday, marking the second straight day he's been held out because his hamstring is not 100 percent.

Maroney made his first appearance on the field, but did little outside of stretching, jogging, and one agility drill. Other players not taking part in the on-field work included receiver Chad Jackson; cornerbacks Asante Samuel, Eddie Jackson, and Antwain Spann; safeties Mel Mitchell and James Sanders; linebacker Eric Alexander; tight end David Thomas; and defensive lineman Richard Seymour.

As he left the field after breaking his arm Nov. 26 against the Bears, linebacker Junior Seau waved to the crowd and wondered if he'd back.

"I wasn't going to take it for granted when I was walking off the field," Seau said yesterday. "Saying goodbye to the fans and giving them thanks as I walked off the field was definitely a sign that I didn't know. I didn't want to miss that opportunity of saying thank you."

After undergoing surgery and rehabbing in the offseason, Seau maintained contact with the Patriots, and realized that a return for his 18th NFL season was a possibility. The crux of his conversations? "[Bill ] Belichick called up and said he loved me," Seau said sarcastically.

Rookie inside linebacker Oscar Lua, a seventh-round draft choice, has had a chance for extended practice time with Alexander out while he works his way back from a shoulder injury. For Lua, playing with his boyhood idol Seau has been a thrill. Both went to the University of Southern California.

"Going shoulder to shoulder with Junior Seau, even if I was a vet, it would be a great opportunity," he said. "Me being a rookie, you're in awe, but you have to know what you're doing and what you're there for. It's football."

Lua is thankful for the opportunity, realizing that it usually doesn't happen for rookies like himself. "It's given me time to get in there with some of the vets and take some reps that some of the younger guys aren't able to take," he said. "It gives me an opportunity to get in there and learn from them, and see how it goes in terms of game speed and how they make decisions and what they change in the blink of an eye. It's given me a little step ahead, and right now, I'm just trying to keep up with it. With Junior and [Tedy ] Bruschi helping me out, it's been great."

Alonzo Shavers, the agent for Samuel, on reports that the Jets are willing to meet the cornerback's asking price: "New York has not been in contact with us." . . . Receiver Reche Caldwell had one of the nicest catches of yesterday's practice, hauling in a long strike from Tom Brady in front of the left pylon at the goal line. The delivery threaded the coverage of cornerback Chad Scott and safety Rashad Baker . . . Scott and safety Rodney Harrison had interceptions in passing drills . . . The offense worked on a silent snap count in the red zone, with guard Logan Mankins jumping early and earning a lap around the practice field . . . Rutgers coach Greg Schiano took in the practice from field level . . . About $16,000 worth of belongings was reported stolen from the home of Marquise Hill's mother while she was at her son's funeral Saturday, New Orleans police said. No suspects have been identified . . . The minicamp concludes today.

Material from Christopher L. Gasper of the Globe staff and the Associated Press was used in this report.