Wednesday was an eventful day at Patriots practice. Multiple players returned or made their regular season debuts at practice, and we got another look at quarterback Mac Jones, who is still dealing with a high ankle sprain. Here are the headlines from the day…

Mac Jones moving around

When Mac Jones last practiced on Friday, he was stationary throughout the portion of practice open to the media. The team later listed him as a non-participant on the injury report.

Jones moved around much more during Wednesday’s media window. He was limping a bit, but did throw the ball with his full body, which he didn’t do last week.

The next update on Jones will come this afternoon, when the Patriots release the first injury report of the week.

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Tyquan Thornton designated to return

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: Tyquan Thornton #11 of the New England Patriots celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Rookie wide receiver Tyquan Thornton was placed on IR at the start of the season, after breaking his collarbone in a preseason game. Wednesday marked the first day he was eligible to return and he did just that, and was on the field with the team to start practice wearing a sweatshirt. He took part in the stretching and positional drills the media saw.

Thornton being at practice starts the clock for the Patriots to officially add him to the active roster. They have three weeks to do so. Given that, his return to practice isn’t a guarantee he’ll be playing this weekend, but it does show the team has started the process of getting him ready to play, and now has three weeks to get him up to speed.

Lawrence Guy back at practice

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 15: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens is tackled by Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter at Gillette Stadium on November 15, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Lawrence Guy left the game against the Ravens two weeks ago with a shoulder injury, and then didn’t practice last week before missing Sunday’s game. The 32-year-old was back on the practice field on Wednesday, which is an encouraging sign as the Patriots get ready to face a powerful Lions running game.

New signings take the field

Oct 10, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; New England Patriots inside linebacker Jamie Collins (58) reacts with defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) after getting a sack during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots have made a handful of signings since Sunday’s game against the Packers, and all of those players practiced with the team on Wednesday. Linebacker Jamie Collins highlights that group – he was present and wearing No. 99.

Practice squad quarterback Garrett Gilbert was there wearing No. 19, and offensive tackle Sebastian Gutierrez – whose signing hadn’t previously been reported – was there wearing No. 68. To make room for Gutierrez on the roster, the Patriots will need to either promote or release a player currently on the practice squad.

Absences

Sep 18, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Brian Hoyer (5) warms up before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

While the Patriots got a number of players back at practice, they didn’t have perfect attendance. Two key players weren’t spotted.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer wasn’t on the field after suffering a concussion on Sunday. Tight end Jonnu Smith also wasn’t out there – he left Sunday’s game early with an ankle injury. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported Smith is dealing with a low ankle sprain and is ‘week-to-week.’

Pat Patriot is back

Players weren’t the only ones returning to Patriots practice on Wednesday. With the throwback game coming up on Sunday, the players wore the white helmets, the first time they’ve been seen in action in 10 years. They look just as cool as they did back then, with Damien Harris adding a strong touch with an amber visor.

The helmets weren’t the only sign throwback week is upon us. Out on the playing field, the walls around the field have been updated with new graphics featuring the old logo and wordmark.

Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].