… The weather was almost summer-like at Patriots practice today: sunny, temps near 70. They held today's workout – shells, sweats, helmets – again on their double fields where they hold training camp.

… Four players weren't on the field at the start: safety Patrick Chung (injured late against the Giants), linebackers Dane Fletcher (thumb) and Brandon Spikes (right knee, injured during the Giants game), and o-lineman Ryan Wendell (unknown). We'll update the blog with all their injury details around 4 o'clock Eastern, when the official report is released.

… O-lineman Donald Thomas returned to practice after missing Friday's practice and the Giants game to be with his wife, who delivered a baby last week.

… New England made a slew of transactions this week. You've surely heard by now about the release of defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, which was announced Tuesday. The team also parted with tight end Dan Gronkowski, as well as a pair of practice squad players: o-lineman Thomas Welch and rookie DB Malcolm Williams. New England also placed safety Josh Barrett on injured reserve, ending his season. Barrett was hurt in the final stages of the loss to New York this past weekend.

… Filling their spots were linebacker Niko Koutouvides and wide receiver Tiquan Underwood, both in their second stints as a Patriot this season, and rookie cornerback Sterling Moore, who was elevated from the practice squad. Safety Ross Ventrone is back on the practice squad, as is rookie corner Josh Victorian, and the team added veteran linebacker Mike Rivera. The 25-year-old Kansas product has bounced around the league since 2009, having played for Chicago, Tennessee, Green Bay, and Miami.

… Koutouvides has been given jersey number 90. The 47 he wore during training camp is now owned by Rivera. Underwood has the same number 10 he had in the preseason.

… Defensive lineman Kyle Love was a popular interview subject in the locker room before practice today, particularly in light of the Haynesworth release. A full report will appear later today on patriots.com.

UPDATE … 4:07 p.m.

None of the four missing players suited up for practice today. Chung has a foot injury, while Wendell suffered a concussion versus the Giants.

Seven Patriots were limited in practice: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), DE Shaun Ellis (rib), RB Kevin Faulk (knee), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), LB Gary Guyton (shoulder), LB Jerod Mayo (left knee), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back), and WR Wes Welker (rib).

Of note on the Jets' side, WR Plaxico Burress (lower back), RB Joe McKnight (toe), and S Brodney Pool (knee) did not practice.