NASHVILLE – Nicholas Petit-Frere was back on the practice field on Saturday.
The third-year offensive lineman knows he has some work to do to feel like himself again, but it was a start.
"I'm just blessed to be here," Petit-Frere said after practice. "I (hadn't) put on a helmet since October, until today. So, I am blessed to get another opportunity to be out here with the guys.
"It's been a long time coming."
On Friday, Petit-Frere passed a physical and was removed from the team's Physically Unable to Perform list, which cleared the way for him to return to practice.
On Saturday, Petit-Frere worked in pass protection drills with defensive linemen before jumping into team drills at right tackle, where he's played most of his NFL career.
After today's practice, Petit-Frere said he was tired, but excited about what's to come.
"I had been fighting with the training staff, day in and day out," Petit-Frere said with a smile, "saying how much I wanted to be back. They did an amazing job to get me healthy, to get me ready to compete. … It's camp, so there's a lot more days for me to grind, for me to compete, for me to get better."
Petit-Frere was placed on PUP before the start of training camp. He missed the first five practices of camp while rehabbing a knee injury that required a medical procedure.
A year ago, Petit-Frere's season was cut short because of a shoulder injury. Petit-Frere missed time at the start of the season for a gambling suspension.
He's learned to be more patient, and resilient.
"I've been through a lot," he said. "The things I take from that is: Work every day as if it's your last, never take anything for granted, and enjoy the people you are around."
A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Petit-Frere is now in the competition for the starting job at right tackle.
In his first two NFL seasons, Petit-Frere has played in 19 games, with 18 starts. A total of 17 of those starts came at right tackle, including 16 in 2022. Petit-Frere only played in three games, with two starts, during a 2023 season when he dealt with a suspension, and an injury.
Petit-Frere said he's heavier, and stronger, as he enters the fight.
"It's a whole new coaching staff, new players," Petit-Frere said. "Every year in the NFL is a chance to win, and a chance to compete. There is nothing guaranteed in the NFL. It's a great opportunity. I'm blessed to be here, to get to compete for the starting job, and to be with the guys.
"But at the end of the day, like I told y'all my first time here as a rookie: My No.1 goal is to help the team win, however that is."
