Two key Patriots starters returned to practice Sunday, according to reporters on scene.

Sunday afternoon’s practice session saw the return of cornerback Jonathan Jones and left guard Cole Strange. Jones was present but not wearing a jersey. Strange was present but not participating in team drills.

The Patriots open their season in two weeks against the Philadelphia Eagles. Tight end Mike Gesicki was also cleared for contact. Rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas was spotted in a red non-contact jersey.

The following players were absent:

RB C.J. Marable
WR Tyquan Thornton
TE Scotty Washington
OL Kody Russey
OL Micah Vanterpool
OL Riley Reiff
OL Conor McDermott
DT Justus Tavai
LB Ronnie Perkins
CB Isaiah Bolden
CB Christian Gonzalez
CB Rodney Randle

The Patriots have already cut defensive tackle Carl Davis, cornerback Quandre Mosely, outside linebacker Carson Wells, linebacker Diego Fagot, tight end Johnny Lumpkin and safety Brad Hawkins ahead of Tuesday’s 4 p.m. deadline when teams must trim their roster down to 53 players.

In addition, safety Cody Davis and defensive end Trey Flowers remain on the physically unable to perform list, and offensive tackle Calvin Anderson is still on the non-football illness list.

Thornton, Russey, Reiff, McDermott, Perkins, Bolden and Gonzalez have been banged up in recent weeks.