By Steve Silva, Boston.com Staff

FOXBOROUGH -- In this episode of Training Camp Today, Chris Gasper and Greg Bedard report from Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots practiced with all their newly-signed players on the field, including veteran offensive lineman Logan Mankins.

The discussion focuses on the return of Mankins, and the possibility that he can remain in New England long-term.

We also hear from rookie offensive tackle Nate Solder, who took the practice field for the first time after the first round pick reached a deal with the Patriots.

"I’m excited for all these guys that are out here, for all the work that both sides did to get this deal done," Light said. "This is a heck of a time. I mean we’ve been sitting around waiting for this moment and for me personally, my family and everybody else, we’re really excited to be back here in New England."

Light talked about his reaction when he learned the Patriots drafted tackle Nate Solder in the first round.

"You know, competition is the name of the game," the 11-year veteran said. "There’s always going to be guys pushing everybody at every level when you have a coach like Bill [Belichick] and the rest of the staff. I think it’s a good thing, it drives all of us -- that’s why we’re out here, we’re out here to compete, compete against each other, compete against the opponent. Drafting a guy to come and fill in for these old bones -- it was inevitable, so hopefully we’ll have some fun teaching him a thing or two out here."