The Facts: Following up on an item in this week's Team Notes. ... Special teams ace Matthew Slater was held out of Wednesday's practice due to an injured shin. Although the team accidently listed him as out, their intention was to list him as missing today's session. Slater will try to get back on the field before Friday and then play in Sunday's Championship game in Denver.
Diehards Line:No other Patriots player missed practice on Wednesday, but plenty were limited: receiver Danny Amendola (knee), tight end Scott Chandler (knee), linebacker Jamie Collins (back), safety Nate Ebner (hand), receiver Julian Edelman (foot), linebacker Darius Fleming (back, shin), linebacker Jonathan Freeny (hand), tight end Rob Gronkowski (knee, back), linebacker Dont’a Hightower (knee), guard Tre’ Jackson (knee), defensive end Chandler Jones (abdomen, toe), defensive end Rob Ninkovich (shin), center Bryan Stork (ankle), tackle Sebastian Vollmer (ankle), and tackle LaAdrian Waddle (shoulder). Fully participating in practice were quarterback Tom Brady (ankle), guard Josh Kline (shoulder), receiver Brandon LaFell (foot), and safety Devin McCourty (ankle). ... We'll be following up in coming days.