Patriots get injured players back

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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots received a boost on the injury front with tight end Aaron Hernandez (knee) and defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth (back) and Mike Wright (concussion) returning to practice for Thursday's full-pads session.

All three were offiicially listed as limited on the Patriots' participation report.

Meanwhile, running back Danny Woodhead (ankle), receiver Julian Edelman (ankle), linebacker Jerod Mayo (knee) and offensive lineman Sebastian Vollmer (back) were not spotted at the media-access portion of practice.

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The return of Hernandez for Sunday's game against the Jets would be a big boost to the Patriots. He got off to a strong start this season (14 catches, 165 yards, 2 TDs) as the Patriots ran more than 80 percent of their snaps with multiple tight ends. But without Hernandez the last two weeks, they have turned to more three- and four-receiver packages.

Haynesworth and Wright also would help a defensive line that has been depleted by early season injuries.

Haynesworth has missed the last two games. In the season opener, he was credited with two tackles and also drew two holding penalties in his strongest performance as a Patriot. Haynesworth wasn't as effective in the Week 2 win over the Chargers.

Meanwhile, Wright hasn't played since sustaining a concussion in the season opener at Miami. Wright missed the final seven games of 2010 after sustaining a concussion.

Mike Rodak is a frequent contributor to ESPNBoston.com.

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Mike Rodak

Patriots reporter, ESPNBoston.com

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Mike Rodak began covering the Patriots for ESPNBoston.com in July 2010.