FOXBORO -- Derek Rivers' rookie season did not go as planned.
The Patriots' third-round pick out of Youngstown State tore his ACL during a joint practice with the Texans in West Virginia last summer, ending his rookie season before it even began. Fortunately for him, the injury occurred in the preseason, so he's now fully healthy in time for the 2018 season.
The defensive end was on the field for the first OTA session open to the media on Tuesday.
“It’s a blessing to be able to come out here and have this opportunity,’’ Rivers said afterwards. “Praise God. My knee and everything feels awesome.’’
“Nobody wants to have an injury, but like I said, praise God, and so that’s where my faith helped me get through it,’’ he added. "It was a good rehab process. I was able to learn the defense. I wasn’t away from the building, so I could do everything except be out here on the field. So it was a blessing and it will make me a better player."
Rivers was able to spend a lot of time with Julian Edelman last year, as both were rehabbing the same injury.
“Awesome dude,” said Rivers. “He’s a super-competitive guy. Probably the most competitive player I’ve played with. We definitely helped push each other along the way.’’
Despite not playing at all last season, Rivers could see a big role with the team this season being part of the rotation at defensive end along with Trey Flowers, Adrian Clayborn, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Eric Lee.
“All I can do is do my job and try to be the best player I can be,’’ Rivers said. “Now it’s just listening to the coaches, staying in the playbook, and just get ready to roll for each practice and try to get better every day.’’