FOXBORO, Mass. — After a pair of physical games against the Ravens and Chargers, the Patriots were missing a season-high five players during Wednesday's practice, including two starters on defense.
Safety Patrick Chung, who injured his knee Sunday against San Diego, did not participate. Defensive lineman Vince Wilfork also missed his first practice of the season for unknown reasons.
The Patriots' practice participation report said Wilfork's absence was "not injury related," which likely means he simply had a veteran's day off, as Wilfork seemed fine when he was building a playground Tuesday at the Waltham Boys and Girls Club and then later Tuesday night when he had courtside seats for the Celtics game.
Wide receiver Matthew Slater also did not practice Wednesday after suffering an ankle injury against the Chargers. Safety Jarrad Page missed his fourth consecutive session with a left calf injury, and running back Fred Taylor hasn't practice since Sept. 24 with a toe injury.
Chung was in the Patriots' locker room earlier Wednesday morning, and he darted out of the room when he was approached by reporters. He wasn't walking with any noticeable limp, and he was wearing baggy sweatpants, so it was difficult to tell if he was wearing any sort of protection on the knee.
Wednesday's practice was held inside the Dana-Farber Field House, and the Patriots were wearing sweats and shells.
