FOXBOROUGH – Brian Belichick didn’t hide or couch his feelings about having Jabrill Peppers back with the team, working toward a return.

The Patriots safeties coach was happy to see Peppers, who was removed from the Commissioner’s Exempt List earlier in the week, back in the mix.

“He’s a great player. It’s always good to have great players in the room, and out there on the field,” Belichick said of Peppers, who is back on the active 53-man roster. “I’m excited, and he’s excited to be here, too, as we would expect. He brings a lot of energy to the room, urgency, as he always has. I’m excited to be working with him.”

Peppers was put on the Exempt List two days after being charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, strangulation or suffocation, possession of a Class B substance (cocaine) and assault and battery on a household or family member stemming from a domestic dispute.

While Peppers still has a January court date on the matter, sources told MassLive the Patriots felt comfortable enough with their internal investigation – along with league findings on the matter – to bring him back after the safety was reinstated.

Peppers took part in Tuesday’s walkthrough indoors, and was expected at Wednesday’s fully-padded practice.

Belichick wasn’t sure how long of a ramp up period Peppers would need before seeing game action. The Patriots have a date with the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday.

“We’re taking it day by day, and seeing how it goes,” Belichick said. “But he’s excited. No one loves football more than Pep, so to be back in here, talking ball, getting ready, it’s exciting for him being back with the guys, and we’re excited to have him back in here.”

Peppers is one of the team’s best defenders, and Belichick agreed it was important for the younger players to learn from his example on the field.

“Pep does a great job creating urgency just with him being himself,” Belichick said. “As I said, no one loves football more than Pep, and it’s engaging for everyone. It gets everyone involved, and sets a high standard, just like (Kyle Dugger) does. He has a high standard for himself and that creates urgency for everyone else when they see him do it that way. Every time he’s around, it helps us.”

Defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington also spoke about Peppers’ impact.

“It’s good to get him back in the building,” Covington said Wednesday. “Just seeing where he’s at, and also just having him around the guys … and the things he brings to the defense.”