FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots were short on tackles during Friday's practice, as Sebastian Vollmer and Marcus Cannon were absent for the final session of the week.
Vollmer hasn't practiced in two weeks after suffering a foot injury against the Eagles, and he's also been dealing with a back ailment all season. Cannon has not appeared on an injury report since debuting at practice Oct. 25, but his absence was not injury related.
Running back Stevan Ridley returned to practice after missing the first two sessions of the week to return home to take care of a family issue.
Linebacker Brandon Spikes also practiced for the second consecutive day for the first time since Week 9.
Vollmer won't play Sunday against the Redskins, which vaults rookie Nate Solder into the starting right tackle position for the seventh time this season. If Cannon can't play, the Patriots might need to activate Matt Kopa from the practice squad for positional insurance.
The Patriots practiced in sweats and shells.
