Three players were missing from the beginning of the New England Patriots' practice Thursday. Two -- Devin McCourty and Jonathan Freeny -- are injured. The third was reserve linebacker Eric Martin, who has not been listed on the injury report. If Martin has been cut, the Patriots will have an open spot on the active roster.
And that spot should probably go to a running back; after all, the team has two backs in James White and Brandon Bolden. It is likely to add a third before Sunday's game versus Tennessee. Montee Ball, currently on the practice squad, could get promoted.