The generally quiet release of the Friday afternoon practice report included one red flag yesterday that sounded like an air horn.
Receiver Randy Moss did not practice with the Patriots [team stats] because of a back problem - a surprising development.
Moss is officially listed as questionable. Fellow receiver Wes Welker (knee) also did not practice and is listed as questionable.
Moss and Welker were both on the field during the media access portion of practice, though neither took part in team drills. Moss was not in the locker room while reporters were there, the first time in recent memory that has happened.
Neither players, nor coach Bill Belichick, were available when Moss’ news became public. Belichick had said Welker was a gametime decision.
It is not clear when Moss injured his back. He has not missed a game in his Pats career, while Welker missed last week against the Jets.
It’s not a positive sign for quarterback Tom Brady [stats] and his offense that the top two receivers missed the last practice before playing the Falcons. It would be even worse if one or both didn’t play.
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