ESPN: Matt Cassel has returned to practice with the Patriots after
missing Wednesday's workouts following his father's death. Cassel
took part in stretches and throwing drills during the portion of
practice open to reporters at San Jose State, where the Patriots
are training between road games in Seattle and Oakland. He briefly
left the team after his father, Greg, died Monday night in the Los
Angeles area. Cassel has steadily improved since taking over for
Tom Brady in the season opener, passing for 3,052 yards and 14
touchdowns. New England (8-5) is in a three-way tie with the Miami
Dolphins and Jets for the AFC East lead.
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