The New England Patriots were back on the practice fields today holding their second session of the week and preparing for the New York Jets. Like yesterday, the team was not at full strength and four players were missing. However, it was not the same quartet as on Wednesday as a look at the latest injury report shows:
Did not participate
Patriots: DT Alan Branch (knee), RB Rex Burkhead (knee), RB Mike Gillislee (knee), TE Rob Gronkowski (illness)
Jets: DL Leonard Williams (back), OL Brandon Shell (concussion), RB Matt Forte (knee), TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (ribs/foot), WR Jermaine Kearse (ankle)
While quarterback Tom Brady was removed from the Patriots' list of absentees – he returned in limited fashion –, the team added tight end Rob Gronkowski. New England's best skill position player was out today because of an illness and will likely be day-to-day moving forward. Don't be surprised if he misses tomorrow's session as well and is ultimately a game-day decision on Sunday.
Alan Branch and Rex Burkhead, unsurprisingly, missed yet another practice due to their respective injuries. At this point in time, it appears highly likely that both will be out against the New York Jets.
Limited participation
Patriots: QB Tom Brady (ankle/left shoulder), WR Chris Hogan (shoulder), DE Eric Lee (ankle), FS Devin McCourty (shoulder), WR Matthew Slater (hamstring), LB Kyle Van Noy (calf), OT LaAdrian Waddle (ankle), RB James White (ankle)
Jets: WR Robby Anderson (illness), CB Mo Claiborne (foot), LB Jordan Jenkins (ankle/shoulder)
As noted above, quarterback Tom Brady returned to practice today after missing yesterday's session because of ankle and shoulder injuries. Unless he suffers a serious setback over the next few days, the future Hall of Famer will be ready to go on Sunday – anything else would be a big surprise considering how resilient Brady has proven to be in the past.
While the rest of the Patriots' limited participants looks like yesterday, the Jets had some additions: Wide receiver Robby Anderson and cornerback Mo Claiborne returned after missing Wednesday's practice.
Full participation
Jets: LB David Bass (ankle), WR JoJo Nelson (shoulder), OL Wesley Johnson (hip), OL James Carpenter (knee)
No changes for either team on the list of full participants.