FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- New England Patriots starting left guard Logan Mankins and cornerback Alfonzo Dennard both returned to practice on Tuesday morning, the first on-field work for the team this week after their bye weekend.

Mankins, who suffered an ankle injury in Week 17, did not practice at all last week, while Dennard has been dealing with a shoulder and knee issue of late that kept him out of Week 17 entirely.

Wide receiver Aaron Dobson (foot), who also missed practice all of last week after suffering another foot injury in the regular season finale, was the lone player not spotted at the start of practice.

The Patriots had an open roster spot after placing linebacker Brandon Spikes on injured reserve yesterday, and it has apparently been filled. A wide receiver wearing number 84 was on the practice field today, though it's unclear if he has been signed to the active roster or if he was signed to the practice squad and the Patriots promoted a separate player.

Due to extreme cold in the area, the Patriots practiced inside the Dana-Farber Fieldhouse outside of Gillette Stadium. They practiced in shells and helmets.