FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots are holding their afternoon practice on the lower field behind Gillette Stadium and colleague Christopher L. Gasper reports that kicker Stephen Gostkowski was not present for the media-access portion of the session (12:10 p.m.).

In addition to Gostkowski, the others not spotted for the practice -- which was held in shorts and light shoulder pads (shells) -- were:

WR Sam Aiken (knee)

OL Dan Connolly (knee)

DL Le Kevin Smith (knee)

TE Benjamin Watson (knee)

The Patriots also confirmed that punter Reggie Hodges was signed to the practice squad, tight end Tyson DeVree was released from the practice squad, tight end Stephen Spach has been signed to the 53-man roster, and tight end Jason Pociask has been released.