Patriots receiver/defensive back Matthew Slater, left, and Wes Welker try to come up with the ball during yesterday’s practice.

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The Providence Journal / Gretchen Ertl

FOXBORO — Wes Welker played a huge role in the Patriots’ record-setting offense last season, so Patriots fans were a little worried when training camp began and Welker was on the physically unable to perform list.

He returned to action on Saturday and was admittedly “a bit rusty,” but said yesterday his groin is feeling much better.

He also said he is hoping to be a better player this season than he was last, when he caught a franchise-record 112 passes.

“I’ve had a year in the offense and I’ve seen some different things. And always getting some more practice, more reps out there, always helps,” he said.

Welker is one of the most versatile receivers in the NFL. He is also a solid kickoff and punt returner, which initially won him a job in the NFL.

He said that he is going to mainly work on situational plays in New England’s exhibition games.

“I think anytime a guy is able to get out there on the field and get in a game situation and work on different situations, and go against somebody different than somebody you’ve been going against all throughout training camp is something that is good to see,” Welker said.

The more, the merrier

Concerned with depth on the offensive line, the Patriots have signed nine-year veteran offensive lineman John Welbourn, giving them 12 offensive linemen in camp.

“John is an experienced player in this league,” coach Bill Belichick said. “We played against him a number of times when he was with Philadelphia [Eagles]. He was in Kansas City last year. He is a tough guy and has played both guard spots. He mainly played the left spot in Philly and played more right last year.

“He also has some experience at the tackle position. He is a very athletic player and a strong kid. We will put him into the mix with everybody else. I am not sure how much he will be ready for on Thursday. We will just have to see. Certainly by next week we will have him ready to go. I am just not sure about this week yet.”

Welbourn has started everywhere he has gone. The 6-foot-5, 310-pound lineman has played in 103 career games with 95 starts.

He played five seasons with the Eagles (1999-2003), who originally drafted him in the fourth round (97th overall) in 1999 out of the University of California-Berkley, and four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs (2004-07).

roblee@projo.com