Patriots practice update: Marquis Flowers joins list of absent players; Rex Burkhead appears to be limited

The New England Patriots are back on the practice fields today – figuratively speaking as the session takes place inside the team's Gillette Stadium on the same turf where the Patriots will host the Tennessee Titans in three days. And if reports from the session turn out to be true, at least two players appear to be on their way to game-day inactivity.

Both running back Mike Gillislee and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell were again not spotted at practice. The two were absent yesterday as well as both are dealing with knee issues: Gillislee injured his during New England's week 16 game against the Buffalo Bills, while Mitchell is trying to fight his way back from an injury that forced him to start the season on injured reserve.

The offensive duo where not the only players not spotted by reporters present: Linebacker Marquis Flowers also was a no-show. The 25-year old, who registered 3.5 sacks in the Patriots' last two games, was not listed on yesterday's injury report. Today's list should offer further information as to why Flowers was not seen at the start of today's practice.

Furthermore, the Boston Herald's Jeff Howe also offered an update on running back Rex Burkhead: Burkhead, who missed New England's last three games because of a knee injury, is wearing a brace and appears to be favoring his injured left foot. According to Howe, it appears as if the first-year Patriot will be limited on Saturday – if active at all.