FOXBORO -- Stephen Neal saw his first game action of the season last night, taking his customary spot at right guard in the second quarter. He was officially removed from the physically unable to perform list before the game, after just a week of practices.

Neal seemed as though he didn't expect to play, but said that Bill Belichick always does what's best for his team.

"I felt good out there," Neal said. "It's always fun to get back out there on the field. And to have a performance like that -- it's pretty rewarding."

Though Neal and the offensive line saw quarterback Matt Cassel get sacked six times, they also helped clear holes for New England to pick up 257 yards rushing, the most for the Pats since Dec. 22, 1985, against the Bengals, when they had 280.

The 32-year-old Neal injured his knee in the Super Bowl and had to undergo surgery; he was placed on the PUP list at the start of training camp and New England "opened the window" on him last week, meaning that once he began practicing, the Pats had 21 days to activate him, place him on injured reserve or release him.

smanza@projo.com