FOXBORO — The Patriots were down four defensive starters at the start of Thursday’s practice, while inside linebacker Christian Elliss made his return.

Related Articles

Callahan: The Patriots need Drake Maye now more than ever

Patriots’ Drake Maye focused on Super Bowl amid three-man race for MVP

Patriots-Ravens injury report: Lamar Jackson sick Wednesday, several Pats starters sit

Why Patriots signed veteran linebacker away from Colts

Patriots postseason award favorite still focusing more on team success

Outside linebacker Harold Landry, cornerbacks Carlton Davis and Marcus Jones and inside linebacker Robert Spillane were all absent for a second straight day. Landry has been hampered for weeks by a hurt knee, while Davis (hip), Jones (knee) and Spillane (ankle) are dealing with new injuries. Spillane wore a walking boot through the locker room Wednesday.

The Patriots did not have another other players miss practice Wednesday, when Elliss was out with an illness.

The team will release its next injury report Thursday evening.