More from Bruschi

Linebacker Tedy Bruschi took the next step in possibly returning to game action, practicing again with the Patriots today.

Earlier in the day, during the media’s access to the locker room [11:10-11:55 a.m. EDT], Bruschi was asked several questions in front of his locker. Monday’s practice had included his first contact since returning to the practice field.

“After one day of hitting, you can’t really come to any judgment,” he said. “I felt I had a good practice and we’ll see how I do today.”

The portion of today’s practice opened to the media included only stretching and special teams work.

Bruschi was also asked about expectations.

“I’m not setting any, because I’m sort of doing something I’ve never done before,” he said. “Jumping into a season six, seven weeks in, that’s really new to me –- today, tomorrow, the first game, it’s different for me right now. I’m really trying not to put expectations on myself, or being told what I’m going to do during the game or anything. Right now, it’s just sort of a practice coming up today and doing the best I can.”

But he did say he’d like to play Sunday against the Bills.

“I’d like to get out there and see, but it’s out of my control. Now I’m back. As a player, I’m a member of the team. So I always believed and trusted my coaches, ever since I was in high school. I’ve always trusted my coaches’ judgment. Whatever my coach decides to do, I trust that.”

Does he feel physically ready?

“I’ve been training pretty hard before I got to this point,” Bruschi said. “Physically, I’m confident in my conditioning and my strength. So physically I’ve done my best to prepare myself.”

Bruschi said he still feels as if he’s being evaluated, and indicated he’d probably be asking questions of linebackers Chad Brown and Monty Beisel, because they’ve been making many of the on-field adjustments he’s now practicing.

PRACTICE NOTES: In a bit of a surprise, cornerback Tyrone Poole –- who was walking with the aid of crutches in the locker room last week –- was present and appeared to move around with little discomfort. … Running back Corey Dillon, wide receiver Troy Brown, safety James Sanders, cornerback Randall Gay and receiver Bethel Johnson weren’t present for the portion of practice opened to the media. … The workout was held inside.

QUICK HITS: Defensive lineman Jarvis Green, tight end Christian Fauria and linebackers Mike Vrabel, Rosevelt Colvin, Monty Beisel and Chad Brown were among those drawing large media crowds today … Beisel said he had stitches removed from his injured hand … Running back Corey Dillon broke his recent media boycott and entertained questions on a number of topics, including breaking the 10,000-yard mark for his career … Cornerback Hank Poteat is wearing jersey No. 32, which was previously donned by practice squad running back Kory Chapman [now with the Colts].

Looking update, we’ll plan on posting another update when the injury report is released around 4 p.m. EDT.

–Mike