The New England Patriots practiced in their indoor facility in a move to acclimatize themselves to the weather conditions when they take on the Miami Dolphins Monday (Dec. 11). During Wednesday’s full-pad practice (Dec. 6), the Patriots received both good and bad news, per Erik Scalavino of Patriots.com. Wide receiver Chris Hogan participated in practice for the first time in more than a month, when he sustained a right shoulder injury in their Week 8 clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the Patriots were also met with some bad news, as linebacker Kyle Van Noy did not participate in practice due to a right calf injury, which he sustained against the Dolphins two weeks ago.

On Sunday (Dec. 3), he had to leave their game against the Buffalo Bills after aggravating the injury. As an indication that Van Noy’s injury is significant, the Patriots recently signed veteran linebacker Jonathan Freeny, who joined their practice wearing a No. 44 jersey. Freeny was with the Patriots the past two seasons before he was released at the end of this most recent preseason.

Several Patriots out during practice

Aside from Van Noy, several Patriots weren’t spotted during practice, including veteran quarterback Tom Brady, who has been bothered by an Achilles heel problem in the past three weeks. However, it has yet to be determined the reason behind Brady’s absence. As one of the participants in the Monday night game, the Patriots have until Thursday (Dec.

7) to release their injury report. In addition to Brady, right tackle Marcus Cannon, cornerback Malcolm Butler, and rookie defensive end Deatrich Wise have not joined a practice. Their absence came as a surprise since none of them were injured during their 23-3 win over the Buffalo Bills Sunday.

Gronkowski did not join practice

Tight end Rob Gronkowski did not join practice after he was levied a one-game suspension by the league for his late hit on Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White. During practice, tight end Will Tye, who has been on the practice squad most of this season, showed up with a No. 82 jersey instead of his usual No.

44. With Gronkowski out against the Dolphins, the Patriots only have two tight ends available on the active roster – veteran Dwayne Allen and rookie Jacob Hollister. Tye’s change in number could be an indication that he will be promoted from the practice squad when the Patriots take on the Dolphins. The Patriots defeated the Dolphins, 35-17, in their Week 12 clash where Brady completed 18-of-28 passes for 227 yards and four touchdowns.
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