FOXBORO, Mass. — There was good news and bad news at the New England Patriots’ final open practice of the week.
Defensive lineman Dominique Easley, who’s nursing a hip ailment, was present for practice Friday for the first time since suffering the injury last Thursday. Easley still is unlikely to play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, but it increases his chances of suiting up in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Prospective starting offensive lineman Ryan Wendell, however, was absent. Wendell was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday as he fights an illness. Wendell was declared inactive in the Patriots’ Week 1 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Josh Kline, David Andrews and Tre’ Jackson started on the Patriots’ interior offensive line with Shaq Mason rotating in for Kline and Jackson.
Wendell’s absence at practice makes it unlikely he plays against the Bills, which means Andrews, an undrafted rookie, will have to line up against All-Pro defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
Practice squad wide receiver Nathan Palmer wasn’t at practice, and there was a new defensive lineman wearing No. 65, which likely signifies a transaction.
Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images
