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The big news out of New England Patriots practice Wednesday was wide receiver Wes Welker's absence due to a neck injury sustained Sunday, which we detailed here. The injury was suffered on a hard hit by Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Palomalu, who brought Welker down by the shoulders and neck.
Linebacker Dane Fletcher also missed practice with a thumb injury, while defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth made his way off the injury report after previously being held to limited participation during his recovery from a back injury.
Still, handful of Patriots continue to practice only on a limited basis. They are: safety Josh Barrett (thumb), defensive end Shaun Ellis (rib), running back Kevin Faulk (knee), running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), tight end Aaron Hernandez (knee), linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back).
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