Three days after beating the Cleveland Browns, the New England Patriots have returned to the practice fields behind Gillette Stafium to start preparation for another AFC North team, the Cincinnati Bengals. The team is in solid physical shape while doing so, despite three players missing today’s session.
Via the Patriots’ injury report, they are as follow:
RB Brandon Bolden (Knee): DNP
LB Jonathan Freeny (Shoulder): DNP
OG Shaq Mason (Not injury related): DNP
Bolden is still rehabbing from a knee injury suffered in week 4, while Freeny is battling a shoulder injury. The linebacker did not play against the Browns even though he was active and has not yet missed a practice session because of his ailment - at least until today. Consequently, rookie Elandon Roberts might once again see substantial time on the field, and be it just in practice.
The biggest surprise on the list is the absence of Shaq Mason, although it is not injury related. While the starting right guard is off the field, rookie Ted Karras will be thrust into a spot on the first-team offensive line.
While three players were absent, 12 practiced in limited capacity:
TE Martellus Bennett (Ankle): LP
RB LeGarrette Blount (Hip): LP
OT Marcus Cannon (Calf): LP
WR Julian Edelman (Foot): LP
QB Jimmy Garoppolo (Shoulder): LP
TE Rob Gronkowski (Hamstring): LP
LB Dont’a Hightower (Knee): LP
LB Shea McClellin (Concussion): LP
WR Malcolm Mitchell (Hamstring): LP
TE Greg Scruggs (Knee): LP
OG Joe Thuney (Shoulder): LP
DT Vincent Valentine (Back): LP
There are a few new additions to the list of limited practice participants. Bennett, Mitchell and Scruggs are new additions to the injury report, while McClellin and Valentine have both returned to practice after missing multiple sessions last week.