Is this the end of the season for WR Malcolm Mitchell?

Wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell wasn’t spotted at the start of practice on Tuesday. So why is this bigger than just a guy not being on the field when the whistle is blown?


Mitchell, who has missed the bulk of the year with a knee injury, had been designated to return from the injured reserve list last month -- he first practiced on Dec. 27. That gave the Patriots three weeks to ultimately decide what to do with him — he could be activated to the active roster in that time frame, or he could ultimately be placed on injured reserve for the rest of the year.

Mitchell was on the field for five practices in that time, but the fact that he wasn’t on the field Tuesday could be a sign he’s close to shutting it down for the year. That would be unfortunate news for the Patriots, who could always use a little extra depth in the postseason at the position when it comes to a trusted pass catcher like Mitchell. The 5-foot-11, 200-pounder had 32 catches for 401 yards and four touchdowns as a rookie last year.

Mike Gillislee was also not spotted at the start of the workout. The veteran running back has was battling a knee injury late in the year and missed the regular-season finale against the Jets.