… The Patriots practiced in perfect autumn condition again for the second consecutive day. However, it's supposed to be downright summer-like this Columbus Day Weekend when the Jets come flying into town. In their last workout of the week, the Patriots wore shorts, shells, and helmets down on the single practice field behind Gillette Stadium.
… The same four players who weren't on the field yesterday were not there today, either: wide receiver Julian Edelman (right ankle), running back Danny Woodhead (left ankle), linebacker Jerod Mayo (left knee), and Sebastian Vollmer.
… Of the four absentees, Woody was the only one seen in the locker room today. He went briefly to his locker, joked around with a few reporters asking if he wanted to talk on the record (he didn't), then walked to the training room with no apparent limp.
… Rookie corner Josh Victorian wasn't out of work long. Released by the team's practice squad Wednesday, he was back in a Patriots uniform today. In fact, he was wearing the black, practice-player-of-the-week jersey he'd earned for his performance in last week's workouts.
… Victorian was able to return after New England released running back Eric Kettani. The Midshipman's commitments to the U.S. Navy required him to go back into military service for the time being. As a result, the team decided to cut him loose, with the hope that he could be brought back later this season. If they were simply to put him on reserve/military or reserve/injury, Kettani would be done for the year and couldn't come back. This way, there's a chance he could suit up again in 2011 if he fulfills his military duties.
… Much has been made this week about a potential Darrelle Revis-Wes Welker matchup. When asked about that possibility today, Welker offered this response: "He brings a lot of challenges. He's a great cornerback, been around for a long time, he's very patient, physical, smart player. He's definitely going to present some problems for us. He's actually played in the slot a little bit … we'll just see how it plays out."
… Patriots owner Robert Kraft made a rare locker room appearance this morning. He stopped defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth on the player's way out to practice. The two chatted privately and seemingly quite pleasantly for a few moments, after which Kraft patted him on the back and walked off.
UPDATE … 3:45 p.m.
The four missing Patriots have been officially listed as DOUBTFUL for Sunday's game versus the Jets. In addition, tight end Aaron Hernandez, who returned to the practice field in a limited capacity this week, is QUESTIONABLE, along with six other players: defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth (back), safety Josh Barrett (thumb/hamstring), cornerback Leigh Bodden (groin), rookie corner Ras-I Dowling (hip), and defensive linemen Kyle Love (ankle) and Mike Wright (concussion). All were limited in practice this week.
On the Jets' side, only center Nick Mangold (high ankle sprain) is QUESTIONABLE. He has missed New York's past two games.