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The two top pass-catchers were both limited in Thursday’s practice, with both player seemingly being limited every game of the year without missing any time. Gronk and Lloyd are just getting more rest leading up to the game against the Colts, and it is rest that they need and deserve. Lloyd figures to have a huge day with Vontae Davis out, and he will likely draw assignments from Cassius Vaughn.

Gronkowski is listed on the injury report with a hip injury, but that injury has never cost him a game. In fact, he played in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills and was as explosive as ever when first listed on the injury report with the hip ailment. Bill Belichick is just giving his guys more rest and playing mind games with the Colts.

Logan Mankins and Dan Connolly are still not practicing, while Tracy White was listed as limited in practice.

Wide receiver Deion Branch was a new addition to the injury report after being limited in yesterday’s practice with hamstring injury, but it is most likely a minor thing. Branch received by far his most playing time in Week 10 against the Bills, but it wasn’t exactly a good game for him as a pass-catcher. Still, he is a valuable blocker on the outside and will have a fun time in run blocking if he draws assignments on Colts CB Darius Butler.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

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Hernandez was a somewhat surprising game-day inactive against the Bills, because he did practice three times last week. It seems like his ankle is nearly fully healed, but his absence last week shows us that it is dangerous to assume that he will be playing this week. Still, I highly expect that the Indianapolis Colts will have to account for Aaron Hernandez on Sunday.

Linebacker Tracy White is out for a while now, but the recent cut of LB/ST Jeff Tarpinian (same roles as White) was a hint that White could be on his way back. He was able to stretch in today’s practice, but he left shortly after.

It looks like Hernandez is continuing to make progress after suffering multiple setbacks to the ankle he injured in Week 2, and it never looked like he was fully back into it after returning from the sprain against the Seattle Seahawks and Jets. But he has reportedly looked even better in practice this week, and it would be a surprise to see him out.

Wes Welker is likely getting some rest, but things will get interesting if he is not able to practice tomorrow. However, Welker is like Calvin Johnson; his team can afford to rest him for a week’s worth of practice and still play him.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

Greg M. Cooper-US PRESSWIRE

The Patriots also worked out four players yesterday, so it looks like they are preparing for more moves in the near future. They could also try to secure depth on the offensive line due to the injuries to Logan Mankins and Nick McDonald, so that is also something to watch for.

Tarpinian could sign with the Pats again a little bit later on this season, as both sides are comfortable with each other and the constant flip-flop in-and-out of the roster. He also still has practice squad eligibility.

Tracy White is one of the three linebackers on the Patriots roster who fills out the same role as Tarpinian does on depth and special teams, and he has been out for a long time with a foot injury. Does this mean he is closer to a return? The Pats originally re-signed Tarpinian in late October to shore up depth at the position. Mike Rivera was also recently signed for that same reason, and the Patriots still have veteran LB/ST Niko Koutouvides on the roster.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.