Just in time for the regular season, the Patriots’ offense has some familiar faces back.

Wide receiver Julian Edelman practiced on Monday for the first time since fracturing his thumb in July and was activated off the non-football injury list.

The development comes not long after wideout Josh Gordon was reinstated following his latest drug suspension. While he cannot play in New England’s preseason matchup against Carolina on Thursday — a condition of his return — he’ll be permitted to play the first game.

Demaryius Thomas and Clay Meredith remain on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, but the team is happy to have some of its most dynamic receivers back.

“I love Josh. Just glad to have him back,” fellow pass-catcher Phillip Dorsett told reporters. “Obviously, he’s a physical specimen. We all know that. Last year, he helped this team out a lot. We’re definitely hoping he can come back and do the same.”

With both of his top targets presumably healthy and in game shape, Tom Brady can get back to figuring out the Pats’ tight end problem: With Rob Gronkowski retired, his replacement Ben Watson suspended for four games, and Watson’s replacement Matt LaCosse dealing with an ankle injury, it’s slim pickings, even with the acquisition of Eric Saubert from the Falcons last week.