The Patriots returned to a padded practice Thursday, and they got three key starters back in the mix.
Tight end Aaron Hernandez, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, and defensive lineman Mike Wright all got back to work for New England.
Hernandez and Haynesworth have both missed two straight games. Wright, perhaps the team’s best pass rusher at this point, hasn’t played since a Week 1 concussion.
Linebacker Jerod Mayo, running back Danny Woodhead (ankle), receiver Julian Edelman (ankle), and tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back) were all still out of practice.
Though Florio and I both picked the Jets to win on Sunday, the nine-point spread seems a little crazy considering New England’s injuries and awful defense. If you are into that sort of thing.