FOXBORO -- It was well-known that tight end Rob Gronkowski, who last weekend sustained his second arm fracture of the season and is out for the remainder of the playoffs, would miss Wednesday's practice. Alfonzo Dennard's absence is not as easily explained, however.
The Patriots cornerback was on previous injury reports with hamstring and knee issues. He was inactive for New England's final two games of the regular season, but did play nearly every snap in last Sunday's Divisional Playoff game.
Wednesday's participation report will clarify whether Dennard suffered a setback with previous injuries or if he is dealing with a new health issue.
Otherwise, the Patriots had full attendance at the mid-week workout. The pair of players injured against Houston, running back Danny Woodhead (thumb) and defensive end Chandler Jones (ankle), were present and accounted for.
Head coach Bill Belichick said yesterday that both players will be put through the paces this week.
"We'll take a look at them Tuesday, take a look at them Wednesday and make a decision as to whether or not we think they can practice," he said. "If we do, we'll put them out there, let them go through the early part of practice -- the warmup stages, some individual work -- see how that progresses and make a decision as to whether or not to put them in the group and team drills that come later on in practice.
"We do the same thing with every player in different categories. If they're not ready, they don't practice or they practice on a limited basis. If they're able to continue with what all the things all the other players are doing."