Eagles defensive tackle Mike Patterson is expected to practice for the first time this year on Monday, a team source confirmed Sunday.
The possibility of Patterson's returning to practice was first reported by Comcast SportsNet. Patterson has not formally worked with the Eagles since he underwent brain surgery in January to remove an arteriovenous malformation.
The Eagles said as late as June that he would be ready by training camp in late July, but Patterson's surgeon, Robert Spetzler of Phoenix, advised against an early return because he didn't think his skull had healed enough to withstand contact.
Eagles coach Andy Reid was not optimistic about Patterson's return this season when he last spoke about the 29-year-old veteran three weeks ago. Patterson has said that he felt he was ready to practice since the start of camp. He has been conditioning with Eagles trainers but could be a few weeks from being in game shape.
