FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — In his 14th season with the New England Patriots, Ted Bruschi finds himself trying to hold off a group of challengers to his job while adapting to a new defensive look that could impact his role.

Bruschi returned to practice Sunday after an extended absence.

“Just trying to take care of a few things,” Bruschi said after the two-hour workout. “As you get a little bit older, you have to mend some things and it’s taken me a little longer to get out here. I’m feeling better now, and hopefully I can get back to work.”

Bruschi credited the team’s younger players with showing a lot of “energy and enthusiasm,” two things he has had in abundance since the Patriots drafted him out of Arizona in 1996.

He has been a defensive mainstay as the Patriots made nine playoff appearances, won eight division championships, five conference titles and three Super Bowls.

Bruschi admitted he has a lot of catching up to do.

“You don’t really get that look, you don’t really get those reps until you’re out here on the practice field,” he said. “Do you feel a little bit behind because you haven’t been out here for so long? Yeah, but you get in the meeting room and watch the film, and hopefully, you don’t become an error repeater.”

The Patriots, deep on the defensive line, used more 4-3 fronts instead of their usual 3-4 against the Philadelphia Eagles in the first preseason game last Thursday.

“4-3? 3-4? 5-2? Whatever it is, whatever numbers you want to put out there, is it possible for us to do it? I think it is because of the guys that are multitalented along our front,” Bruschi said

The changes could affect his role.

“We’re not sure,” he said. “We’re in training camp right now, roles are being defined and I know we have a lot of good inside linebackers. Gary Guyton’s a good player. Jerod Mayo’s a good player. You know what he can do. However it is — even myself, in my 14th year — every training camp I have to look at it as I have to come in and establish a role for myself on this team. This year’s no different.”

Bruschi has made stroke awareness a cause since he suffered a stroke in February 2005. It appeared at first his career was over, but he returned to the team that fall and in 2008, was a defensive captain for the seventh time. He ended up fourth on the team in tackles.

Bruschi’s foundation, “Tedy’s Team,” raises funds for stroke prevention and he works with the American Stroke Association to raise awareness about symptoms and treatment.

Bruschi missed the game against the Eagles but said he hoped to be able to play as much as Belichick wants him to Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium.

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