Conspicuous in their absence from today's workout were left guard Logan Mankins (hip) and wide receiver Julian Edelman (left hand), who was hurt at the end of the first half at Baltimore. Tight end Aaron Hernandez (right ankle) remains out, along with defensive linemen Brandon Deaderick and rookie Justin Francis, both of who also are dealing with ankle injuries.
No black jerseys again this week. As you know, those honors are bestowed on those players (typically scout teamers) who helped prepare the squad during the previous week's practices… but only after victories.
During practice, and after Bill Belichick had made his daily remarks to reporters, media reports began circulating that the NFL had fined the Patriots head coach $50,000 for his on-field confrontation with a game official immediately following the Ravens game.
Before practice, the team announced the release of rookie defensive lineman Marcus Forston, who made his NFL debut Sunday night in Baltimore. Second-year d-lineman Terrell McClain was signed to take Fortson's place on the 53-man roster.
McClain was a Panthers third-round pick last year out of South Florida and actually started 12 games for Carolina before being released this year over Labor Day Weekend. He is wearing jersey 93 in New England.
Forston might not be gone for long, however. His locker has been moved to the vacant one where Brian Waters used to be. The rookie is practice squad eligible and could be brought back if he clears waivers this week.
The full injury report will be updated here on the blog during the 4 o'clock hour.
UPDATE… 3:40 PM
Belichick released this statement a short time ago, in response to his league fine: "It was inappropriate for me to contact the official. I take responsibility for what happened. I accept the discipline and I apologize for the incident Sunday night in Baltimore."
UPDATE… 4:24 PM
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder) was added to New England's injury report today. He was limited in today's practice. For the longest time, the Patriots listed Brady with a right shoulder problem, so much so that it became a running joke that even the QB himself would laugh about. We'll see how much of a laughing matter this latest injury is.
Meanwhile, the five players mentioned above as missing from the start of practice did not take part at all. Rookie CB Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring), OL Nick McDonald (right shoulder), CB Sterling Moore (knee), RB Shane Vereen (left foot), and RT Sebastian Vollmer (back) were limited.
WR Brandon Lloyd (thigh), TE Daniel Fells (shin), and RG Dan Connolly (concussion) have been removed from the injury report.
Over in Buffalo, just four players were listed. RB C.J. Spiller (shoulder) did not practice, nor did WR Ruvell Martin (ankle) or CB Leodis McKelvin (groin). RB Fred Jackson (knee) was limited.
