With just three days two days remaining until the New England Patriots travel to Texas to face the Cowboys, the team was without a couple of key players at practice on Thursday. Defensive Tackle Vince Wilfork (unknown) and Running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe) were two of four players that were absent from practice today. The other two that were not spotted were linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) and safety Josh Barrett (thumb/hamstring).
Green-Ellis was a major factor in the Patriots' 30-21 victory over the New York Jets as he ran for 136 yards on the ground and scored two touchdowns. If he is unable to go, then the Patriots will likely have to turn to rookie Stevan Ridley for a heavier load.
Wilfork's absence from practice wasn't injury related. While it isn't clear if it's added rest or family issues, Patriot fans shouldn't be concerned about Wilfork's absence on Thursday. Here is the full practice participation report for Thursday:
Did Not Practice
LB Jerod Mayo (left knee)
DL Vince Wilfork (not injury-related)
S Josh Barrett (thumb/hamstring)
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe)
DL Mike Wright (concussion, placed on injured reserve)
Limited Partcipation
CB Leigh Bodden (thumb)
S Sergio Brown (chest)
CB Ras-I Dowling (hip)
WR Julian Edelman (ankle)
DL Albert Haynesworth (back)
TE Aaron Hernandez (knee)
DL Kyle Love (back)
WR Matthew Slater (ribs)
OL Sebastian Vollmer (back)
RB Danny Woodhead (ankle)
Full Participation
S Patrick Chung (hand)
LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)
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