Burkhead among those not spotted at start of Wednesday practice

Rex Burkhead wasn’t spotted at the start of Patriots’ practice Wednesday in Foxborough.



The running back, who spoke with the media Monday afternoon, wasn’t spotted at the beginning of Tuesday’s workout as well. As a result, there’s some doubt as to his availability for Friday’s third preseason game of the summer against the Lions. He's coming off an impressive outing against the Texans when he finished the night with 70 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.

Matthew Slater, Malcolm Mitchell, Shea McClellin, Tony Garcia and Matt Lengel were also not spotted at the start of the practice session. In addition, Keionta Davis and Andrew Jelks (NFI) were present but not in uniform for at the beginning of the workout, which was held in shells-and-shorts.