FOXBORO -- The Patriots were without their starting right guard at the start of Wednesday's practice.
Shaq Mason was one of three players missing from the session, along with linebacker Jonathan Freeny and running back Brandon Bolden. Freeny was limited in practice last week with a shoulder injury. Bolden, meanwhile, suffered a knee injury against the Bills in Week 4 and did not practice last week.
Mason played in all 80 offensive snaps in Sunday's win over the Browns and did not appear to be limited in any capacity. His availability bears watching this week as the Patriots recently thinned their depth at the guard position by releasing Jonathan Cooper. If Mason were to miss any time, that could mean more in the way of in-game responsibilities for rookie sixth-round draft choice Ted Karras.
The Patriots practiced in shells and sweats on Wednesday, and they welcomed back both defensive tackle Vincent Valentine and linebacker Shea McClellin. Neither Valentine (back) nor McClellin (concussion) patricipated in last week's practices.