Aaron Hernandez, BenJarvus Green-Ellis Absent From Practice

FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots were surprisingly missing two of their offensive starters Wednesday at practice, as tight end Aaron Hernandez and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis did not participate.

Hernandez (not injury related) and Green-Ellis (illness) had been hampered earlier in the season by different injuries, but neither Hernandez's knee nor Green-Ellis' toe caused them to miss Wednesday's session, which was held in sweats and shells inside the Dana-Farber Field House.

Safety Patrick Chung (foot) was present for the second day in a row, and it was the first time he participated in a non-walkthrough since Dec. 9.

Tackle Sebastian Vollmer (foot, back), who was spotted with crutches and a walking boot Tuesday, missed another practice. He hasn't been present since Nov. 25.