FOXBORO — Patriots rookie offensive Caedan Wallace returned to practice Monday for the first time since suffering an ankle injury in a mid-September loss at the Jets.

“Really excited,” Wallace said before practice. “It’s been a long treatment, recovery process. So glad to be ready.”

Wallace remains on injured reserve, meaning the Patriots have 21 days to activate him and must first clear a roster spot before adding the third-round rookie to their 53-man roster. If Wallace is not activated in time to play Sunday at Arizona, he would have three games left to return to action. Wallace played left tackle in that loss at New York, but could also be a candidate to start at right tackle, his college position as a four-year starter at Penn State.

“I mean, I’m a player, I’m a guy. I just want to get some more experience,” Wallace said, “and kind of show people I’m one of the good rookies and that I have a bright future ahead.”

Current starting right tackle Demontrey Jacobs, a waiver claim last August, has struggled in pass protection this season.

Wallace and the Patriots practiced without pads Monday, their first day back from their bye. Players are scheduled to be off Tuesday and return to the facility for daily meetings and practices Wednesday through Friday.

Defensive back Marcus Jones was the only player missing at practice Monday. The reason for his absence is unknown.

The Patriots will release their first injury report of the week Wednesday afternoon.