Gillislee, who hurt his knee on Christmas Eve against the Bills, has not practiced since then.

FOXBOROUGH — Running back Mike Gillislee and receiver Malcolm Mitchell were the lone absences from Patriots practice Wednesday afternoon inside Gillette Stadium.

Mitchell, who has spent the season on injured reserve as he dealt with knee issues, had returned to practice two weeks ago. His absence does not bode well for his chance to be activated anytime soon.

Earlier in the day, coach Bill Belichick was asked about the progress Mitchell’s made the last two weeks.


“We see him out there trying to get back into practice and do the things he’s asked to do,’’ said the coach, who agreed with the assessment that the second-year receiver has a lot of ground to make up.

Mike Gillislee and Malcolm Mitchell were the lone absences from #Patriots practice Tuesday. pic.twitter.com/NtmPHUIVXp — Jim McBride (@globejimmcbride) January 9, 2018

Running backs James White (ankle) and Rex Burkhead (knee), receiver Chris Hogan (shoulder), and defensive tackle Alan Branch (knee), all of whom missed time down the stretch, were at practice and would appear to be on target to return for Saturday night’s divisional round game against the Titans.

Jim McBride can be reached at james.mcbride@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globejimmcbride.