After traveling back from Mexico and not practicing the last two days, the New England Patriots were back on the fields behind Gillette Stadium today. However, the first practice session of the week took place without some core contributors as reported by NESN's Zack Cox – three of them new additions to the list of previous absentees.
Wide receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder) and offensive linemen David Andrews (illness) and Marcus Cannon (ankle) have all missed practices and playing time in the past due to their respective ailments. Today, they were joined on the list of players not spotted by three more starters: Quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski and safety Patrick Chung were no-shows during the portions of practice open to the media.
While Chung was shaken up during New England's 33-8 win over the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, neither Brady nor Gronkowski appeared to suffer any injuries – they might just get the veterans' treatment and receive an additional off day. We will know for sure when the Patriots release their first injury report later today.
[UPDATE] According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport Brady is fine. The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reported that the Patriots' quarterback will play on Sunday.