Patriots defender Bruschi could return this season

? New England linebacker Tedy Bruschi is working toward a return to the Patriots – this season, not next – thanks to a faster-than-expected recovery from the stroke that sent him to the emergency room just days after playing in his first Pro Bowl.

Several obstacles remain: Bruschi has received favorable reports from doctors but not final medical clearance, and others involved in the decision – including the team’s lawyers and Bruschi’s family – have not signed off on it.

Bruschi said this summer he had no intention of coming back for the 2005 season. But the speed of his rehabilitation has made it possible for him to accelerate his schedule.

“Anybody we can get back to this football team at this point would help us, regardless of who it is,” linebacker Mike Vrabel said Friday. “Whoever we can have back, we’ll take back.”

Bruschi is eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list after the sixth week of the season, which starts Monday.