GNOTD: DT Dominique Easley and CB Justin Coleman Return to Patriots Practice

The New England Patriots, who have been pretty banged up the last couple of weeks, are slowly getting healthier. While the team's two best offensive skill position players - tight end Rob Gronkowski and wide receiver Julian Edelman - are still not practicing due to their respective injuries, two key defenders returned to the field today.

According to multiple media reports, defensive tackle Dominique Easley and cornerback Justin Coleman started practicing again today.

Easley, who has had a very good sophomore year so far, was missing the last two practice sessions because of an ankle injury. While no injury was announced during last week's game against the Broncos, he was not on the field for the team's final defensive drive.

Coleman, on the other hand, injured his hand prior to the Patriots' week 10 game against the New York Giants. He was active for the game but left it due to the pain stemming from a broken bone. Coleman, who is the Patriots' number three cornerback, then missed the last two games.

While the duo of defenders practices today it is not a given that they will be declared active against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. As the team has shown multiple times this season, it will not rush any player back.