BOSTON (CBS) — The New England Patriots got the weekend off following their Thursday night win over the New York Jets, but were back to practice a day early to get ready for the Chicago Bears.

And there is some good news from the session: The Stork may soon fly again for New England.

The Patriots hit the practice field on Tuesday, an off day in a normal week, getting a few key players back into the fold.

Offensive lineman Bryan Stork and Dan Connolly both returned to practice after missing Thursday’s game with concussions. The duo has played key roles in stabilizing the New England offensive line this season, and their return to the field is a good sign they’ll be back for Sunday’s game against the Bears in Foxboro.

Fellow offensive lineman Cameron Fleming and safety Nate Ebner were also back on the practice field on Tuesday, both sporting casts on their right hands.

The Patriots were missing two big-name defensive players at the session though, with both corner Darrelle Revis and defensive end Chandler Jones getting an extra day off.

Pats returned to practice today. Chandler Jones and Darrelle Revis were missing from today's session — Levan Reid (@LevanReid) October 21, 2014

We’ll have to wait until Wednesday for the team’s first practice participation/injury report of the week.

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