Week 5 Patriots vs Jets: Thursday injury report; Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski limited in return to practice

In preparation for their week six game against the New York Jets, the New England Patriots returned to the practice fields for the third straight day. As opposed to the last two sessions, though, the team had almost perfect attendance today – as a look at the injury report shows (via patriots.com):

Did Not Practice

CB Eric Rowe (groin)

Eric Rowe has missed all of last week due to the groin injury he re-aggravated in week four against the Carolina Panthers and has now been absent for all of this week's practices as well. It appears more and more likely that New England will be without its number three cornerback for the second straight week. If that is the case, Jonathan Jones is expected to see an increased number of snaps on defense.

Limited

QB Tom Brady (shoulder)

RB Rex Burkhead (ribs)

OT Marcus Cannon (ankle)

CB Stephon Gilmore (ankle)

TE Rob Gronkowski (thigh)

LB Dont'a Hightower (knee)

LB Elandon Roberts (ankle)

WR Matthew Slater (hamstring)

The list of limited players saw two changes when compared to yesterday's – and they are big: Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, who have both been held out on Wednesday, returned to practice in limited fashion. Both superstars are expected to be ready for Sunday's game against the Jets and seeing them get some early practice work is a good sign not just for their general availability but for their rehabilitational stage as well.

Removed

OT Nate Solder (not injury related)

After being absent yesterday with a non-injury related issue, Nate Solder returned to practice today in full capacity. As a result, he was removed from the injury list and appears to be ready for the game against New York.

The Jets' injury report reads as follows and has also seen a few changes when compared to yesterday's.

Did not participate

DT Muhammad Wilkerson (knee)

RB Bilal Powell (calf)

Bilal Powell is the Jets's leading rusher, while Muhammad Wilkerson is one of the team's best interior defensive lineman. Both again not practicing today does not appear to be a good sign for their availability come Sunday – which might consequently make New England's job a lot easier.

Limited participation

DE Kony Ealy (shoulder)

RB Matt Forte (knee/toe)

With Powell a no-show again today, Forte might be one of the players seeing increased reps come game day. His injury therefore is also one worth watching closely.

Full participation

DB Juston Burris (foot)

CB Darryl Roberts (hamstring)

TE Jordan Leggett (knee)

OL Brandon Shell (shoulder)

QB Josh McCown (shoulder)

DT Leonard Williams (wrist)

OL Kelvin Beachum (knee)

OL James Carpenter (shoulder)

LB David Bass (ankle/knee)

LB Josh Martin (ankle)

OL Brian Winters (abdomen)

DL Steve McLendon (hamstring)

The two lone changes when compared to yesterday came on the full participants list: Ex-Patriot Darryl Roberts was upgraded as was fellow defensive back Juston Burris. Both were limited yesterday but full participants during today's session.