… More threatening rain clouds kept the Patriots indoors for Thursday's practice at the Dana-Farber Field House. Today's workout was in shells, sweats, and helmets.

… The same three players absent from Wednesday's walkthrough were again missing from the beginning of today's session: cornerback Devin McCourty (right shoulder), Dane Fletcher (thumb) and Brandon Spikes (right knee). We'll know more about their health statuses around 4 o'clock Eastern, when the injury report is released.

… Safety Ross Ventrone is a Patriot again. Today's re-signing to the practice squad marked his 21st transaction with the club since the Patriots originally signed him as a rookie free agent in April 2010. Rookie corner Josh Victorian was the casualty to make room for Ventrone.

… Count WR Deion Branch among the Patriots who doesn't consider Romeo Crennel's history as Patriots defensive coordinator a major factor in Monday night's visit from the Chiefs. Crennel is now Kansas City's D coordinator. "That stuff doesn't matter," maintained Branch. "The only thing that matters is what happens this year and what they've been doing now. They're doing exactly what coach asks of them. We can look at the defense and tell what they're running and what they're trying to do. They're a pretty sound defense. Guys are in the right place. They don't make a lot of mistakes. They've got a bunch of good players on the team."

UPDATE … 4:02 p.m.

… McCourty, Fletcher, and Spikes did not take part at all in practice Thursday. Meanwhile, 14 other Patriots were limited, including WR Wes Welker, who last week was listed with a rib, but now has a knee issue. The rest of the walking wounded are as follows: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), S Patrick Chung (right foot), C Dan Connolly (groin), DE Shaun Ellis (rib), RB Kevin Faulk (knee), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), LB Gary Guyton (shoulder), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder), rookie OT Nate Solder (concussion), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back), and RG Brian Waters (left knee).

… Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the Chiefs' secondary is ailing. Starting CBs Brandon Flowers (back) and Brandon Carr (ankle) were both limited in Thursday's practice. Starting S Jon McGraw (shoulder) managed to take part fully. Starting right defensive end Glenn Dorsey (knee) was also limited, while QB Matt Cassel is out with a right (throwing) hand injury.

… More threatening rain clouds kept the Patriots indoors for Thursday's practice at the Dana-Farber Field House. Today's workout was in shells, sweats, and helmets.

… The same three players absent from Wednesday's walkthrough were again missing from the beginning of today's session: cornerback Devin McCourty (right shoulder), Dane Fletcher (thumb) and Brandon Spikes (right knee). We'll know more about their health statuses around 4 o'clock Eastern, when the injury report is released.

… Safety Ross Ventrone is a Patriot again. Today's re-signing to the practice squad marked his 21st transaction with the club since the Patriots originally signed him as a rookie free agent in April 2010. Rookie corner Josh Victorian was the casualty to make room for Ventrone.

… Count WR Deion Branch among the Patriots who doesn't consider Romeo Crennel's history as Patriots defensive coordinator a major factor in Monday night's visit from the Chiefs. Crennel is now Kansas City's D coordinator. "That stuff doesn't matter," maintained Branch. "The only thing that matters is what happens this year and what they've been doing now. They're doing exactly what coach asks of them. We can look at the defense and tell what they're running and what they're trying to do. They're a pretty sound defense. Guys are in the right place. They don't make a lot of mistakes. They've got a bunch of good players on the team."

UPDATE … 4:02 p.m.

… McCourty, Fletcher, and Spikes did not take part at all in practice Thursday. Meanwhile, 14 other Patriots were limited, including WR Wes Welker, who last week was listed with a rib, but now has a knee issue. The rest of the walking wounded are as follows: CB Kyle Arrington (foot), S Patrick Chung (right foot), C Dan Connolly (groin), DE Shaun Ellis (rib), RB Kevin Faulk (knee), RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis (toe), LB Gary Guyton (shoulder), S James Ihedigbo (shoulder), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), WR Matthew Slater (shoulder), rookie OT Nate Solder (concussion), OT Sebastian Vollmer (back), and RG Brian Waters (left knee).

… Meanwhile, in Kansas City, the Chiefs' secondary is ailing. Starting CBs Brandon Flowers (back) and Brandon Carr (ankle) were both limited in Thursday's practice. Starting S Jon McGraw (shoulder) managed to take part fully. Starting right defensive end Glenn Dorsey (knee) was also limited, while QB Matt Cassel is out with a right (throwing) hand injury.