Tom Brady among those not spotted at start of Wednesday's practice

The Patriots went indoors for Wednesday’s workout, looking to turn up the heat a bit for Monday’s visit to South Florida and a date with the Dolphins.



In what’s becoming a weekly routine, quarterback Tom Brady was not present for the start of the workout, according to those on the scene. It’s the third consecutive week the veteran (who has been listed on the injury report with what the team is calling an Achilles issue) hasn’t been out there on a Wednesday.

In addition, cornerback Malcolm Butler (unknown), linebacker Kyle Van Noy (calf), offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (ankle) and defensive lineman Deatrich Wise (unknown) were not spotted.

The good news for New England? Wide receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder) was back, as well as defensive lineman Trey Flowers (rib). If Hogan can go against the Dolphins, that will certainly ease the sting of not having Rob Gronkowski in the lineup on Monday night.

One other personnel note worth passing along: The team has apparently re-signed linebacker Jonathan Freeny. The 6-foot-2, 255-pounder out of Rutgers, who was with the Patriots in 2015 and 2016, could be insurance if Van Noy’s calf issue is worse than initially anticipated.