FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio said Wednesday afternoon that linebacker Brandon Spikes is with the team at Gillette Stadium.
It also appeared that way Wednesday morning when Spikes' camouflage bookbag was in his locker. Spikes' status was unknown Tuesday when he tweeted that he missed the earthquake by 30 minutes.
Spikes missed his 13th consecutive practice Tuesday. Sources told NESN.com two weeks ago that he has been dealing with an ankle injury, though the severity is unknown. However, Spikes has observed several practices from the sideline, and he has walked on the field without a noticeable limp, which makes it look like it's not a long-term issue.
"Brandon is no different than any other player," Caserio said. "He's working hard. He's trying to get back out there on the field. When he's ready to practice, he'll be out there."
Spikes has been active on Twitter, and a curious string of tweets have caused speculation over his standing with the organization. The earthquake's epicenter was in Virginia, which raised questions Tuesday.
One belief in the New England locker room Wednesday, though, was that Spikes' tweet might have had something to do with a joke among the players about tight end Rob Gronkowski's bench press. Gronkowski's teammates make a lot of jokes about his raw strength in the weight room, and Spikes' tweet might have been an indication that he missed Gronkowski's latest showing.
Spikes has not spoken to the media since he suffered the ankle injury, and his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has not returned attempts to reach him for a comment.
Caserio was asked if Spikes was in good standing with the team, and he responded, "He's here. He's working. He's in the meetings, so he's doing everything that we've asked [of] him."
