FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots backup quarterback Ryan Mallett was not present for Monday's practice, marking the second straight day he's been absent. Mallett, who wore a brace over his left knee in Thursday's preseason opener against Washington, slid awkwardly on a first-quarter running play and immediately looked down at the brace.
It is unclear if the reason for Mallett's absence from practice is related to his left knee.
After the game, Mallett said, "It was a terrible slide. I just caught some turf in it. It got stuck in my brace and I couldn't get it out. I was trying to get it out; that's why I was sitting on the ground."
Mallett, who didn't miss any plays after the slide, added that he has worn a brace over his left knee since college.
When Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked about Mallett's status on Sunday, he said, "There are all different players in different physical situations, so I'm not going to get into all that. We'd be here all day."
Other players not present for Monday's practice include cornerback Brandon Browner, tight ends D.J. Williams and Michael Hoomanawanui, center Bryan Stork, linebacker Cameron Gordon, offensive tackle Chris Martin, receiver Jeremy Gallon and defensive linemen Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga.
