It was another busy Wednesday in Foxborough as the Patriots began their preparations for the Washington Redskins. Let's start with the biggest news of the day:

SEYMOUR RETURNS

Yes, it was not a mirage at practice, that really was Richard Seymour out there today, his first sighting on a practice field since last season, as he had been sufferering from complications from off-season knee surgery. With Seymour practicing, the Patriots have 21 days to either activate him from the Physically Unable to Perform list or put him on season-ending injured reserve. That timetable is down to 14 for last week's PUP players who returned to practice, defensive back Eddie and wideout Chad Jackson.

Veteran safety Rodney Harrison was glad to see Seymour back, and knew what the defensive lineman was going through. "I've been there," he said. "I'm not just a teammate of his, I'm a friend first and foremost. I've been there for him, just as well as he's been there for me and just as well as Ty Warren and Tom Brady and all those other guys have been there for him. He's positive. He's worked extremely hard, he's been focused. There's some tough days and good days, but more good days than tough days."

INJURY UPDATE

The headliners for the "did not practice" category for the Patriots today were, as was the case last week, tight end Ben Watson (ankle) and running back Sammy Morris (chest). Also not practicing were linebacker Eric Alexander (knee) safety-special teamer Mel Mitchell (groin) and safety Eugene Wilson (ankle), who might be considered a headliner as well. Tom Brady (right shoulder) had limited participation.

For the Redskins, offensive guard Randy Thomas (triceps) is out. Running back Rock Cartwright (quad) and offensive lineman Stephon Heyer (hamstring -- how does that happen to an OL?) did not practice. Limited in practice were safety Pierson Prioleau (coach's decision), cornerback Carlos Rogers (knee) and cornerback Fred Smoot (hamstring). Offensive lineman CAsey Rabach (groin) and linebacker Marcus Washington (hamstring) practiced fully despite their injuries.

ANGRY ADALIUS

Adalius Thomas, usually not around on Wednesdays during the locker room media availability, was there today so he could respond to the sudden war of words with former Baltimore Ravens teammate Ray Lewis. "The only problem I have is the 'coward' comment...I think that goes to something personal. I don't like it....I will address that with him personally myself. But to attack my integrity, as far as that goes, and say that you had to make up a scheme for me, I didn't know they had made up outside linebacker for me...

"I'm just here to play football and worry about the Redskins. Ray Lewis means nothing to me, as far as his comments or anything else that he said. I love him like a brother, but other than that, as far as me being a coward, I felt that was a personal shot. That's the only problem I have with it. I'll call Ray personally myself...It's a lot of things he said right now, but none of them can be solved going back and forth."