The New England Patriots’ tight end group received some reinforcements on Wednesday. C.J. Dippre, who had started training camp on the physically unable to perform list, returned to practice.
Dippre participated in the walkthrough session alongside four of the team’s other five tight ends. Hunter Henry, Eli Raridon, Tanner Arkin and Mitch Van Vooren were present, while Jack Westover missed a second consecutive practice due to undisclosed reasons.
The 24-year-old was spotted wearing a brace on his left
wrist.
Dippre originally arrived in New England as a rookie free agent last offseason. Initially a practice squad player, he was promoted to the 53-man roster in November to prevent other teams from poaching him. He eventually finished the year on the active team but did not see any game action.
The Alabama product was a full participant during mandatory minicamp and at point used as a blocking-focused third tight end behind Henry and veteran Westover during the spring.Whether he will be able to resume that same role remains to be seen: behind the clear TE1 Henry, the rookies Raridon and Arkin — the latter seemingly Dippre’s primary competition for a spot on the 53 — have established themselves as the next men up.
Dippre and company will return to practice on Thursday for their fourth straight day of work. The session will be closed to the public.
