FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots are starting to run out of running backs.
Fred Taylor was missing from practice Wednesday on the aftermath of aggravating his toe injury Sunday against the Bills. Taylor has been on the injury report with the toe issue for two weeks. He has been limited in practice once in each of the last two weeks, but this appears to be the first time he has been absent entirely.
Also, offensive lineman Nick Kaczur (back) and cornerback Terrence Wheatley (foot) were missing from practice. Neither has participated in a session during the regular season, although Wheatley appears to be closing in on his return.
Wheatley met with the media for a portion of Wednesday's locker room access and said he is still waiting to be cleared to return to the field.
"You want to go out there, and you want to get into the rhythm of the game," Wheatley said. "But that’s just the nature of the beast. It’s a very violent game, and guys get hurt, so you just deal with it and that’s it."
Taylor's status for Monday night's game in Miami is uncertain. The Patriots, who traded Laurence Maroney and lost Kevin Faulk to an ACL tear, are left with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Sammy Morris and Danny Woodhead at running back.
