Advertisement

James White returns to Patriots for first time since father's death

New England Patriots running back James White returned to practice Wednesday.

White missed the team’s previous two games after his father died in a car crash Sept. 20. White’s mother was also involved in the accident, and was listed in critical condition.

The crash occurred hours before the Patriots’ Week 2 game against the Seahawks in Seattle. White did not play in that game, and missed all of last week — including Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders — to be with his family.

When practice opened Wednesday, White was on the field with his teammates.

Damien Harris and Gunner Olszewski — who were placed on injured reserve in September — also returned to practice.

Patriots sent messages of support to James White

The Patriots and some other NFL players sent messages of support to White following his loss. Prior to New England’s Week 2 game, the team and Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson tweeted out support for White. The Patriots told White they loved him during a team celebration during the contest.

Tom Brady, J.J. Watt and Benjamin Watson were among the other players to send encouraging messages to White.

White sent a touching Instagram message on his son’s birthday. He posted a picture of himself holding his son next to a picture of his father holding him when he was a baby.

White’s presence at practice Wednesday suggests he’ll be available to play in the team’s Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. With a win, the Patriots would improve to 3-1 on the season.

More from Yahoo Sports: