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FOXBORO, Mass. -- The New England Patriots' injury situation improved Thursday.

Defensive end Rob Ninkovich (leg) and linebacker Jonathan Freeny (hand) were back on the Patriots' practice field before the team departs for South Florida on Thursday afternoon. Freeny and safety Patrick Chung (foot) were wearing red non-contact jerseys.

Dont'a Hightower (knee), who wasn't spotted at the beginning of practice Wednesday but was listed by the Patriots as limited on the injury report, was on the field, as well. Cornerback Justin Coleman and offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer were the only absences at Thursday's practice.

Ninkovich missed Wednesday's practice. Freeny hasn't been back on the field since injuring his hand since injuring his hand Week 14 against the Houston Texans.

Thumbnail photo via Kevin Jairaj/USA TODAY Sports Images