Injuries piling up: WR Brandon Lloyd missed his second-straight practice and WR Deion Branch missed his third, and then things got really thin when WR Jabar Gaffney walked to the locker room and did not return. There was no visible injury. Added to the injury list today: FB Spencer Larsen, DE Jake Bequette and OT Matt Kopa (leg). They join FB Tony Fiammetta, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, CB Will Allen and DT Jonathan Fanene continue to be out. Most of the injuries have not been disclosed.
Veterans come back: The Patriots received some good injury news when C/G Dan Connolly and DE Rob Ninkovich returned from veteran maintenance. Connolly went to right guard. Ninkovich was back at LDE, pushing Trevor Scott and Jermaine Cunningham down the depth chart. First-round pick Chandler Jones continued to start at RDE.
Wilson standing out: S Tavon Wilson, who was a surprise big in the second round, continues to gain confidence and play well. He has been trouble for the tight ends in coverage, including Rob Gronkowski. Wilson has been seen at linebacker, safety and cornerback in camp.
Moore pushing for time: Sterling Moore had another pass breakup and leads the group in that category by a wide margin. Moore is knocking on the door for more playing time, but Ras-I Dowling and Devin McCourty haven't given him an opening.
Going light: After four-straight practices in full pads, the Patriots dialed it back to shells in a very light practice. It had nothing to do with the fight the night before between Brandon Spikes and Nate Solder. "Football is competitive, and we're in a competitive camp, so I think some of those things are just part of football," coach Bill Belichick said.
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