JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) – All-Pro defensive lineman Richard Seymour completed his first full practice in nearly six weeks Wednesday and should play for New England in the Super Bowl against Philadelphia.
“He did everything we asked him to do, so he’s good to go,” coach Bill Belichick said.
Seymour, an All-Pro the last two years and a Pro Bowler in three of his four years in the NFL, injured his left knee Dec. 26 against the New York Jets and missed the last three games, two in the postseason. Jarvis Green started in Seymour’s absence, recording 15 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble.
Seymour has been one of the big playmakers for New England the past two seasons. He had five sacks and a forced fumble this year, and returned a Drew Bledsoe fumble 68 yards for a touchdown against Buffalo.
A co-captain on defense, Seymoure plays both ends in the 3-4 defense and tackle in pass-rushing situations.
In some respects, he is the defensive equivalent of Terrell Owens, the Philadelphia wide receiver who said Tuesday he will play after being out since Dec. 19 with an ankle injury. Asked earlier in the week if he compared himself to Owens, the soft-spoken Seymour laughed and replied: “We’re the exact opposite.”
Meanwhile, linebacker Ted Johnson returned to practice and did not appear to have any problems from a leg injury that kept him out Monday. The field was in better shape, too.
Belichick complained about loose footing at Bartram Trail High School on Monday, but said conditions had improved.
“We were slipping on it, but not like Monday,” he said.
The Patriots, meanwhile, were inconsistent. Tom Brady threw an interception and was sacked, and Belichick ripped the defense more than once.
“We still have things to do,” Belichick said. “We’re getting there, but we’re not there yet. We have some more preparation to take care of.”
The Eagles do a lot. They give you a lot of looks, a lot to work on. So there are a few things to tighten up.”
AP-ES-02-02-05 1727EST
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