Patriots' Bradbury Returns, Rice Joins Practice Squad

The New England Patriots received a boost to their offensive line ahead of their Week 10 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as starting center Garrett Bradbury returned to practice on Thursday following a brief absence due to a hip injury. The team also bolstered its receiving depth by signing wide receiver Brenden Rice to the practice squad, a move prompted by an injury to key wideout Kayshon Boutte.

Bradbury, who signed a two-year, $9.5 million contract with New England during the offseason, had missed Wednesday's practice, marking the first time he appeared on the injury report this season. The veteran has anchored the Patriots' offensive line effectively through nine games, drawing zero penalties and allowing just a half sack and two quarterback hits in pass protection. His role extends beyond blocking, as he serves as a primary communicator on the front, a point emphasized by quarterback Drake Maye. "Credit to Garrett for what he's done," Maye said Wednesday. "Coming into the O-line room and bringing some swagger. He plays really hard. He's kind of the coordinator, as every center is. He does a great job communicating with me. I'm glad we picked him up in the...