FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots linebacker Dane Fletcher was the only player missing from practice Wednesday for the second day in a row, and it's apparently because his thumb injury has taken a turn for the worse.
Fletcher injured his thumb during the preseason and missed some time, but he had participated in every practice and game during the regular season through Week 6. Fletcher has missed all four practices since the Patriots beat the Cowboys, and Wednesday was the first time the Patriots had to release an injury report since that victory. The report indicated Fletcher's absence was only due to the thumb.
Linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee), running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth (back), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back), cornerback Leigh Bodden (thumb), cornerback Ras-I Dowling (hip) and safety Josh Barrett (thumb) were all limited Wednesday.
Quarterback Tom Brady, who missed two practices during the bye week (when teams don't have to release injury reports), has been at both practices this week. He was not listed on Wednesday's injury report.
