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FOXBORO, Mass. -- Dont'a Hightower's sprained knee wasn't severe enough to keep him out of New England Patriots practice.

Hightower was on the practice field and participating Wednesday with a brace on his left knee. Linebacker Jamie Collins (illness) and wide receiver Danny Amendola (knee) also practiced for the Patriots.

Defensive tackle Dominique Easley, cornerback Justin Coleman (hand), tight end Rob Gronkowski (knee), wide receiver Julian Edelman (foot) and new running back Trey Williams weren't present for practice. Practice squad cornerback Chris Greenwood also wasn't spotted, and it appeared wide receiver Chris Harper was back after being cut Monday. New practice squad defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles practiced wearing No. 70.

It's unclear what kept Easley out of practice. He didn't appear to suffer an injury Sunday night in the Patriots' 30-24 loss to the Denver Broncos. It's possible Williams hasn't arrived in New England after being claimed off waivers from the Dallas Cowboys on Tuesday.

Gronkowski sprained his knee and suffered a bone bruise against the Broncos.

Thumbnail photo via Winslow Townson/USA TODAY Sports Images