FOXBORO -- Tom Brady was not at practice in sweats and shells on Wednesday on the upper grass fields outside Gillette Stadium as the Patriots began their on-field preparations for the Jaguars this Sunday in Jacksonville. It was the first time this season Brady was not seen at the media availability during practice.
Also not spotted was linebacker Mike Rivera, who started Sunday night in place of Brandon Spikes before Spikes came in on the second defensive series and played the rest of the game.
Wednesday's absence appears to be routine as Brady, who threw a career-high 65 passes on Sunday night, spoke at his normal time during his weekly press conference. It is common for Brady to miss a Wednesday practice late in the season as the team gives him additional rest in advance of the playoffs.
Rob Gronkowski was in attendance Wednesday, his second straight practice since coming back from his broken left forearm on Nov. 18. He was inactive Sunday night against San Francisco, after being limited in practice last Friday. Also in attendace was defensive back Alfonzo Dennard, who tweaked his right knee late in the first half Sunday night and did not return.
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