FOXBORO -- Less than one week before the AFC's Divisional Playoff at Gillette, only one player absence stood between New England and perfect practice attendance Tuesday: Justin Francis.
The rookie defensive end has seen his role increase in recent weeks and paid it forward with three sacks last against Miami in the regular season finale. He hasn't missed a workout since September.
Among those on the field, Brandon Spikes (kneeankle) hopped on a stationary bike immediately after the team went through dynamic stretching.
Tight end Aaron Hernandez took a seat on the sideline around the same time and removed his right shoe under the eye of trainer Jim Whalen. Hernandez might have been getting his ankle, the one that kept him out of six games this season, re-taped.
The Patriots took to the lower grass field behind Gillette Stadium for practice. They wore sweats and shells.
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