Patriots rookie cornerback Ras-I Dowling’s injury woes continue as he was not spotted at the start of practice. Dowling has not been able to play since Week 2 against the Chargers. This hip injury has lingered throughout the season and highlights the biggest knock on the defensive back coming out of Virginia.

The indoor session, held inside the Dana Farber Field House on Thursday, took place with the players in shorts and shells after a full pads practice on Tuesday.

Another concern is Dane Fletcher’s thumb injury that has kept him from practicing for the third straight day. I find it highly unlikely he will play Sunday at Pittsburgh at this point.

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