Running back James White, center James Ferentz and defensive tackle Carl Davis were absent from New England Patriots practice in Week 7, according to reporters on the scene.
White missed Wednesday’s practice for non-injury related reasons. Davis, who signed with the Patriots, is likely unable to join the team at this time due to precautions and protocols for free agents amid the pandemic. The reason for Ferentz’s absence is yet to be announced. He was absent for the start of practice on Wednesday, but did not appear on the injury report.
There has been plenty of good news on the injury front for New England this week. Defensive tackle Beau Allen, center David Andrews and linebacker Josh Uche returned from injured reserve, and Defensive tackle Byron Cowart, guard Shaq Mason and defensive end Derek Rivers returned from the reserve/COVID-19 list on Wednesday. They were present Thursday, which bodes well for some or all of them making their return on Sunday.
James White, James Ferentz and Carl Davis aren’t at today’s Patriots practice pic.twitter.com/BByfq61iHT
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) October 22, 2020
Safety Devin McCourty seemed relieved to see so many starting-caliber players making their return this week.
“I think it brought a lot of excitement to the team and also a sense of urgency of how much we need to get done at practice coming off a loss, coming off back-to-back losses and also going against a really good football team, going against the defending champs in the NFC,” McCourty said Wednesday. “So I think there was a sense of excitement and a sense of urgency and wanting to be out there and wanting and needing to get better. I think it was a really good vibe out there at practice.”
New England is slated to play the San Francisco 49ers in Week 7 at Gillette Stadium at 4:25.
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