Patriots QB Tom Brady missed Tuesday's practice, according to PFW correspondent Ian Rapoport. This is the third consecutive week Brady has missed the first practice because of a sore foot.

DL Myron Pryor returned to practice on Tuesday. Pryor has missed the last two games with a back problem and the timing works well for the Patriots who were without DL Mike Wright (concussion) at practice. He likely will not play Thursday vs. the Lions.

CB Jonathan Wilhite (hip) and OG Stephen Neal (shoulder) also missed Tuesday's practice.

The way we see it

Brady may just be getting a little extra rest with the short week. Wright has had a great season on the defensive line and it is a bit of a drop-off to Pryor, but Pryor has had his moments this season. Dan Connolly has been playing for Neal and the Patriots had just three active corners last week in Wilhite's absence with Darius Butler seeing more time.