FOXBORO -- Wes Welker was not present at the start of New England's first practice of the week. The receiver injured his ankle last weekend in the Bills game. Wednesday marked the first time Welker has missed a workout since August 23.
Left guard Logan Mankins was also not at practice. He was already dealing with calf and hip injuries this season before, coincidentally, hurting his ankle in the Bills game.
But that was it for absences.
Linebacker Tracy White came back to practice for the first time since hurting his foot in Week 5. Defensive end Trevor Scott also made his return.
There was also a pair of truly new faces on the field Wednesday. Cornerback Aqib Talib, whom the Patriots traded for on November 1, debuted wearing No. 31. He was joined by guard Mitch Petrus (No. 67).