The Patriots got back on the field for practice on Tuesday and had a couple of players rejoin their teammates after sitting out last week’s activities.
Left guard Logan Mankins and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard participated in practice for the first time since the end of the regular season. Mankins injured his ankle during the Week 17 victory over the Bills and Dennard missed that game because of a knee injury.
Their presence at Tuesday’s practice, which was held indoors because of the frigid weather caused by the dreaded polar vortex, is a good sign for their availability against the Colts on Saturday night. Temperatures are expected to rise to a much more manageable level by then, although there’s some talk of rain to go with low-to-mid 40s on the thermometer.
Wide receiver Aaron Dobson was the only member of the active roster absent from practice. Dobson’s nursing a foot injury and Mike Petraglia of WEEI reports that an unidentified receiver wearing No. 84 was taking part in practice. The Patriots have an open roster spot after placing linebacker Brandon Spikes on injured reserve.
UPDATE 1:27 p.m. ET: The mystery receiver is Reggie Dunn, according to multiple reports. Dunn, who went undrafted in 2013, has spent time with four teams — the Steelers, Browns, Packers and Dolphins — this season but saw no regular season action.