FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Pro Bowl New England Patriots linebacker Jamie Collins was a notable absence from Thursday's opening practice of training camp, but Bill Belichick confirmed Friday that Collins reported to the team and the absence was excused.

Collins was back on the practice field Friday morning.

"He's here. No issues," Belichick said.

Collins enters the final year of his contract in 2016 and is scheduled to earn $917,865.

In Collins' absence, Jonathan Freeny bumped up to work next to starter Dont'a Hightower at linebacker.