FOXBORO – The Patriots look like they’re getting healthier for the playoffs.
Rex Burkhead (knee) and Alan Branch (knee) returned to practice on Wednesday. Burkhead missed the final two games of the season after suffering his knee injury against Pittsburgh in Week 15. This is his first practice in three weeks. Branch practiced for the first time in four weeks after suffering his knee injury in Week 14 against Miami. The defensive tackle missed the final three games of [...]
FOXBORO – The Patriots look like they’re getting healthier for the playoffs.
Rex Burkhead (knee) and Alan Branch (knee) returned to practice on Wednesday. Burkhead missed the final two games of the season after suffering his knee injury against Pittsburgh in Week 15. This is his first practice in three weeks. Branch practiced for the first time in four weeks after suffering his knee injury in Week 14 against Miami. The defensive tackle missed the final three games of the regular season.
The Patriots were without two players – Eric Lee (ankle) and Mike Gillislee (knee). Lee has been nursing an ankle injury, but played last weekend against the New York Jets. Gillislee missed the regular-season finale after suffering his knee injury in Week 16 against Buffalo.
The Pats also changed up their practice squad, bringing back linebacker Trevor Reilly and subsequently releasing receiver/return man Bernard Reedy. Reilly played in six games this season, making one start at linebacker. The special team standout had five total tackles. Reedy played in two games with the Patriots this season, returning four punts for 32 yards.
The team has one more practiced scheduled for this week on Thursday before the players receive a long weekend off.