Logan Mankins, Alfonzo Dennard back at practice

It's nice to have some good news on the injury front, for a change.

According to ESPN Boston's Field Yates, both Logan Mankins and Alfonzo Dennard were back at practice today. Wide receiver Aaron Dobson was the only player not spotted at the session.

Mankins did not practice at all last week after suffering (but playing through) an ankle injury in the team's regular season finale against Buffalo. His physical presence will be a must for a Patriots offense that will likely look to establish the run Saturday.

Dennard has been battling a knee injury throughout the second half of the season, along with a recent shoulder issue. The second year cornerback was not active for the Buffalo game and only played a few snaps in Week 16 against Baltimore. The Patriots are hopeful that the extra rest provided by the bye week will be enough to get Dennard fresh and ready to go for a postseason run.