The Patriots held their second practice of the week on Wednesday, but in the worst of conditions. Nearly a foot of snow was dumped in the Boston area last night into this morning. Head coach Bill Belichick told players that they would be sent home if they did not arrive to practice on time.
Last year, Gary Guyton, Adalius Thomas, Derrick Burgess and Randy Moss were all caught in a similar storm and arrived late to practice. All four players were sent home early by Belichick and did not practice. Learning from this, every Patriots player was present at practice today.
The highlight today at practice was the return of linebacker Jermaine Cunningham. Cunningham, missed yesterday's practice with a calf injury that he sustained back in Week 15. Cunningham's return was a good sign for the Patriots, as he has been a key pass rusher for them in the last few weeks. As long as Cunningham stays healthy, he will play on Sunday opposite Rob Ninkovich
Meanwhile, defensive lineman Myron Pryor was once again held out of practice, the lone Patriot to do so. Pryor, who has been battling a back injury hasn't played the Patriots last five games before returning in the season finale. With Pryor's absence, it is becoming more and more likely that rookie Kyle Love will start along with Gerard Warren and Vince Wilfork in the Patriots 3-4 defense.
The Patriots were unable to practice on the outdoor practice facility, because of snow. Instead, they practiced inside the Dana-Farber Field House. Despite all of the snow, Belichick anticipates that the Patriots will return to practicing outdoors.