FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots had near-perfect practice attendance last week. That all changed Wednesday, however.
Cornerbacks Justin Coleman (head) and Troy Hill, linebacker Jonathan Freeny (hand), defensive end Rob Ninkovich (leg) and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (ankle) weren’t spotted at the beginning of practice. Hill’s chair was up in the Patriots’ locker room, and Ishmaa’ily Kitchen practiced, so it appears the cornerback, who was claimed on Christmas, has been released to make room to re-sign the veteran defensive tackle.
Dont’a Hightower also wasn’t spotted at the start of practice, but the Patriots say the starting linebacker was limited Wednesday.
Safety Patrick Chung (foot), who didn’t play Sunday, was wearing a red non-contact jersey at the full-pads practice.
Coleman, Ninkovich and Vollmer suffered new injuries in the Patriots’ 26-20 loss to the New York Jets on Sunday.
Thumbnail photo via Mark L. Baer/USA TODAY Sports Images
