… The weather's been great for Patriots practices this week: sunny and seasonably cool temps around 50-degrees. They held today's workout – shells, sweats, helmets – again on their double fields where they hold training camp.

… Linebacker Dane Fletcher (thumb) remains out, but head coach Bill Belichick indicated today that his condition likely wouldn't require a move to injured reserve. That's the most positive news we've had on Fletcher since his mysterious absence following the Dallas game.

… O-lineman Donald Thomas also wasn't on the field, but we are aware of why. He's expecting a baby with his significant other, and she's going into labor today. I'll update both the Patriots and Giants injuries and game status details around 4 o'clock Eastern. Check the blog around then.

… In the never-ending game of practice squad roster roulette, there's been another move (yet to be confirmed by the team). Rookie DB Malcolm Williams is back. He has a locker and was wearing his old jersey number 41 at practice today. Rookie corner Josh Victorian is the apparent casualty.

… Defensive lineman Ron Brace spoke again to reporters before practice. I'd be stunned if he's not promoted to the active roster this weekend. He could still be deactivated for the Giants game, as they need to get down to 46 on game days, but it's looking like he'll be part of the 53-man mix shortly.

UPDATE 4:06 p.m.

Fletcher is officially OUT for this week. All of yesterday's limited participation guys were again limited today and are QUESTIONABLE (50-50 chance of playing) for Sunday against the Giants, including WR Wes Welker (neck). The others are safety Josh Barrett (thumb), defensive linemen Shaun Ellis (rib) and Albert Haynesworth (back), running backs Kevin Faulk (knee) and BenJarvus Green-Ellis (right toe), tight end Aaron Hernandez (left knee), linebacker Jerod Mayo (left knee), and right tackle Sebastian Vollmer (back).

For New York, it's a long list, but the notable names are RB Ahmad Bradshaw (foot) and WR Hakeem Nicks (hamstring), who did not practice all week and are DOUBTFUL (25-percent chance of playing). In addition, DE Jason Pierre-Paul (concussion) didn't suit up today and is QUESTIONABLE for Sunday. WR Mario Manningham (illness) and DEs Justin Tuck (groin/neck) and Osi Umenyiora (knee/shoulder) are PROBABLE (75-percent chance).