FOXBORO — The Patriots continue to take things “day by day” in safety Jabrill Peppers’ return to the team, according to his position coach, Brian Belichick.

Peppers was removed from the commissioner’s exempt list on Monday and returned to practice Tuesday for the first time since he pleaded not guilty on assault, strangulation and drug charges in October. His first practice back was a walk-through in the Patriots’ practice bubble.

“He’s excited. No one loves football more than Pep, so to be back in here talking ball, getting ready, it’s exciting for him being back with guys,” Belichick said, “And we’re excited to have him back in here. It was not a super high tempo (practice) yesterday, so physically, there wasn’t a lot to take from it.”

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Peppers’ case is scheduled to go to trial on Jan. 22. Head coach Jerod Mayo said he expects Peppers to play in a game once he’s ready to get back on the field.

The veteran safety said he was dealing with some physical ailments after the Patriots’ Week 4 loss to the 49ers.

“It’s good to get him back into the building. Just seeing where he’s at and just having him around the guys,” defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington said Wednesday.