As usual, Wednesdays are big days in Foxborough and today was no exception as the Patriots began their preparations for Sunday's game at 0-6 Miami.

First, this is the first week players from the Physically Unable to Perform List (PUP) can practice, and once they do the club has three weeks to make a decision on their roster status. Notables Troy Brown and Richard Seymour, however, did not practice, or at least weren't reportedly visible during the open portion. Receiver Chad Jackson and cornerback Eddie Jackson, who was in the locker room, did by all accounts return.

Pats head coach Bill Belichick was asked whether it was a "when" or "if" situation with Seymour's (knee) return, but basically said any player's status was based on "A, the player and B, the team." In other words, he did not really answer the question. As for Brown, QB Tom Brady was asked about his return and did say "I think he's been bored as heck working with all the conditioning stuff. He's ready to get back to playing football." That appeared to be more of a comment on Brown's mental outlook rather than his physical status, however. 

Injury update: Not practicing were tight end Ben Watson (ankle), running back Sammy Morris (chest, reportedly to be out possibly for a month, although no word on that from the Patriots) and linebacker Eric Alexander (knee). Limited in practice was most notably running back Laurence Maroney (groin). Add to that list cornerback Randall Gay (thigh), safety Mel Mitchell (groin), OL Stephen Neal (shoulder), receiver Donte Stallworth (knee), linebacker Adalius Thomas (ankle) and receiver Kelley Washington (hamstring). Yes, QB Tom Brady (shoulder) practiced fully. Most notably for the Dolphins, defensive standouts Vonnie Holiday and Zach Thomas did not practice due to injuries.

--- TOM KING