… Weather conditions similar to Wednesday were what we had for Thursday's Patriots practice this afternoon: clouds and dampness, following severe downpours earlier in the day. The workout, for the second consecutive day, was held on the Gillette Stadium game field, in full pads.

… Another carryover from yesterday, there was just one absentee from today's session: Sebastian Vollmer. We haven't seen the right tackle for a while now. Interested to see how he's listed on this afternoon's injury report. It's looking more and more like Nate Solder will get the start in his stead Monday night.

… Something I've been calling for the last several years finally appeared at practice today. The defensive backs were practicing tackling with a solo sled, wrapping up with proper technique, then releasing for the next player in line. It was a joy to watch.

… Captains were revealed today (not yet officially announced, though), and there were a couple of mild surprises in Matthew Slater and Devin McCourty, one newcomer to the leadership circle in Logan Mankins, and returning co-captains Tom Brady, Vince Wilfork, and Jerod Mayo. We talked to both of those guys in the locker room today, and Albert Haynesworth did quite a bit of talking, too. I'll post a synopsis on patriots.com later.

… I'll also update this blog entry with the injury report details, so, check back again during the 4'oclock hour for more.

UPDATE … 4:20 p.m.

Vollmer has been sidelined by a back injury, according to the just-released injury report. You may recall that his back was a concern coming out of college during the 2009 pre-draft process. Other players listed as "limited" in practice today were as follows: DE Mark Anderson (knee), CB Kyle Arrington (hip), OL Dan Connolly (foot), DE/OLB Jermaine Cunningham (groin), LB Dane Fletcher (thumb), WR Taylor Price (hamstring), rookie RB Stevan Ridley (ankle), rookie LB Jeff Tarpinian (knee), rookie RB Shane Vereen (hamstring), and OL Ryan Wendell (calf). CB Leigh Bodden and WR Julian Edelman, both with hand injuries, took part fully in practice.

Biggest surprise, perhaps … QB Tom Brady NOT listed with his customary "right shoulder" ailment, a running gag among the media corps the last several years.

The Dolphins are relatively healthy as well, listing just two rookies, RB Daniel Thomas and FB Charles Clay (both with hamstrings).