Hale practices, vows to play Thursday

David Hale returned to practice for the first time since suffering a back injury last Thursday. “It was just day-to-day, to see how the back would react,” the center/guard said after Monday’s practice. “But I wanted to be out here the next day. … Just tried to come out here as quick as possible and perform back up to the level that I need to be performing at.” Hale and offensive tackle Stefan Rodgers (leg) took part in individual and positional drills and a few full-team drills, but it appeared that both players were being eased back to work. The presence of Hale and Rodgers could be a positive step for an offensive line that did not have the services of offensive tackles Jared Gaither (back spasms), Tony Moll (concussion) and rookie Ramon Harewood (both knees) Monday morning. Hale vowed to be available for the team’s preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers Thursday night at M&T Bank Stadium. “I’ll be able to play Thursday for sure,” he said.