… Second straight day the Patriots held practice on the Gillette Stadium game surface under a steady, cool drizzle. They wore shells, sweats/short, and helmets for the workout. Sunday's game conditions are expected to be sunny and blustery, with temps in the 60s.

… Defensive lineman Mike Wright spoke to reporters at length today about his and the team's decision to place him on injured reserve due to his recurring concussions. I'll post a complete update later today on patriots.com.

… More positive injury news, though, as linebacker/co-captain Jerod Mayo suited up for practice for the first time since the Oakland game, when he sprained his left knee. Also back in action were running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe) and defensive lineman Vince Wilfork (non-injury-related), who both missed Thursday's session. The lone absentees today were safety Josh Barrett (thumb/hamstring) and cornerback Phillip Adams.

… Adams' absence was not be injury-related, however. He was cut to make room for defensive tackle Marcus Harrison (6-3, 316), a former Bears draft pick (3rd round in 2008) from Arkansas. Harrison was wearing jersey number 90 on the field today.

… Earlier this week, Cowboys center Phil Costa responded to a Tweet which wished him well against the Patriots, saying that New England's Vince Wilfork was "a mountain." Costa quipped in his reply that Wilfork was "more like a speed bump." Wilfork was asked about the perceived slight today and said, smiling, " That's fine. I play on Sundays. I'm not a media guy, getting back and forth. I'll be there Sunday, he can tell me that day. I don't care about all that stuff. "

UPDATE … 4:02 p.m.

With his surprise comeback today, Mayo is listed as QUESTIONABLE for Sunday's game versus Dallas. So, too, is Green-Ellis. Both were limited in practice today. Ten other Patriots are in the Q category as well, all of whom were limited in practice all week. Only Barrett has been ruled OUT. All of Dallas' major players on the injury report are listed as PROBABLE.