Danny Amendola, Aqib Talib at practice

New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) runs after a reception against the New Orleans Saints during the third quarter at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Saints 30-27. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

While the New England Patriots are still missing DT Tommy Kelly and RB Leon Washington at practice, both Danny Amendola and Aqib Talib were spotted at Patriots practice for a second straight day. Having both players back this week would be huge against the Miami Dolphins, as they are the Patriots chief competition for the division crown in the AFC East. The Patriots are the better team, but they suffered a loss to the New York Jets last week and cannot afford to let their guards down. This could be a nice bounce-back game for the Pats, especially if Amendola and Talib can make triumphant return to the starting lineup.

It isn’t a surprise to hear that Talib is back at practice, since his hip injury was only expected to hold him out of one game. He should be able to cover Mike Wallace this week, especially with Devin McCourty back there playing at an elite level and being a huge deterrent for opposing QBs to go deep on the Patriots.

The fact that Danny Amendola is practicing for a second straight day is huge news, because he suffered what looked to be a severe concussion in the Week 6 win over the New Orleans Saints. Amendola reportedly isn’t suffering any symptoms, and he looks on track to play this week. I expect Amendola to be out there in a key game against the Dolphins, and I am always impressed by his toughness. He is an injury-prone player, but he also gets on the practice field quicker than most guys.

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