Patriots: WR Wes Welker among players not dressing for Tampa Bay

Wes Welker, who missed practice Thursday, will not dress for Friday night's preseason game against Tampa Bay. The Patriots have not given a reason for Welker's absence.

By Nick Underhill

Aug 24, 2012 at 7:42 pm ET • 1 min read

After not practicing Thursday, WR Wes Welker won't dress for Friday night's preseason game against the Buccaneers. No reason has been specified by the Patriots.

A trio of Patriots could see their first action against Tampa Bay. Patriots rookie CB Alfonzo Dennard is expected to make his debut after a hamstring injury sidelined him most of camp. Offensive linemen Logan Mankins (knee) and Sebastian Vollmer (back) could see their first action after starting training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Players who will not dress for Friday night's game, according to the Boston Glove, include WR Jabar Gaffney (leg/thing), S Patrick Chung (shoulder), CB Will Allen, S Josh Barrett, S Ross Ventrone, LB Tracy White, DL Gerard Warren, OL Markus Zusevics (pectoral), OL Matt Kopa (ankle), TE Visanthe Shiancoe (hamstring), TE Jake Ballard (knee), DL Myron Pryor (unknown).