"The day-to-day watch finally ended for Patriots defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, who returned to practice yesterday for the first time in more than two weeks.

Haynesworth stepped on the practice field in full pads for the first time since Aug. 4. Only the first minutes of practice are open to the media, so just how much Haynesworth practiced was unclear.

Haynesworth's return came a day after he traveled to Washington, D.C., and pled no contest to a charge of misdemeanor simple assault. With the case behind him, Haynesworth must now wait and see whether the NFL will discipline him for violating the league's personal conduct policy.

An NFL official said yesterday there has been no decision on Haynesworth's case. Asked whether he has been contacted by the league about Haynesworth, coach Bill Belichick said, "Whatever the league does, they'll announce.''

As for Haynesworth wrapping up his court case, Belichick said it was a personal matter and "I don't really have any comment on it.''"