The New England Patriots took in a welcome sight Thursday - wide receiver Wes Welker returned to practice after missing Wednesday's activities with a neck injury.
The injury was never believed to be serious, but Welker's return to practice increases the likelihood that he will participate in Sunday's game against the New York Giants.
New York's Antrel Rolle, part of a secondary which will attempt to stop Welker Sunday, has praised Welker repeatedly but said he plans to shut down the NFL's leading wide receiver this weekend.
"I don't know. You've got to ask those guys he's giving trouble to," the Giants safety said when asked about what makes Welker so difficult to cover. "I don't plan on having to answer to those questions."
Welker likely suffered the neck injury Sunday against Pittsburgh. Midway through the fourth quarter, Troy Polamalu tackled Welker by the neck and shoulder. Welker was slow to get up but did not leave the field.
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