DT Sealver Siliga Returns To New England Patriots’ Practice, Julian Edelman Limited

After being sidelined for eight long weeks, Sealver Siliga finally returned to practice for the New England Patriots yesterday. The big man injured his foot back in week 3, and he has been out ever since. As per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald, the Pats have until December 11th to active Siliga to the active roster, otherwise they will have to place him on the IR.

"Defensive lineman Sealver Siliga practiced today for the first time since suffering a foot injury in Week 3 against the Raiders. Siliga is eligible to play Sunday against the Lions, but that is no sure thing. He was eligible to begin practicing as early as last week, so he might possibly need more time before getting back. The Patriots have until Dec. 11 to activate Siliga, or he won’t be able to play again this season. He doesn’t count against the 53-man roster until he is activated."

Siliga returning is huge for the Patriots, even though their run defense has been very good as of late. Siliga is the second best run stopping defensive tackle on the team (behind Wilfork), as his ability to take up space, eat up blockers, and make plays in the backfield is invaluable for New England.

Since the Patriots do have almost three weeks to decide on Siliga, I don’t think they necessarily need to rush him back against Detroit. The Lions have one of the worst running games in the league, so the Pats don’t absolutely need Siliga to win this game. They should ease him back into the mix, and make sure he is back for their showdown with Eddie Lacy in week 13.

Aaron Rodgers gets all of the attention, but Lacy is a beast, and in a game that will undoubtedly be affected by the weather, expect Green Bay to try to pound the Pats with Lacy.

Here is the full practice report, once again from Jeff Howe:

"Did not participate:OL Cameron Fleming (ankle, finger)DE Chandler Jones (hip)Limited:OL Marcus Cannon (hip)DL Dominique Easley (knee)S Nate Ebner (finger)WR Julian Edelman (thigh)OL Ryan Wendell (knee)Full:QB Tom Brady (ankle)"