Quick hits

PRACTICE NOTES: Receiver Troy Brown and cornerback Randall Gay returned to practice on Wednesday. They were present for the part of practice opened to the media, which included only stretching and special teams work. … Those players not in attendance for the first portion of practice opened to the media included defensive linemen Richard Seymour and Ty Warren; running backs Corey Dillon and Patrick Pass; and safety James Sanders. … The practice was held outside.

DILLON DRAWS CROWD: Running back Corey Dillon drew a large media crowd in the locker room and his age remained a topic of discussion. While not speaking in a combative tone, he told media members that if they felt he was old, they could pick up equipment and meet him on the practice field. Dillon also said he wasn’t sensitive about his age (31), but the topic isn’t going away.

CHAD BROWN’S TAKE: Linebacker Chad Brown was another player drawing a crowd in the locker room and said Sunday night marked the first time in his 13-year career that he was a healthy scratch. He said he came to New England with no ego, and while he’d like to play, he’ll do whatever it takes to help the team win.

PASS TOUCHES ON FUMBLE: Fullback Patrick Pass was present in the locker room and was asked to explain his fumble in Sunday’s game, in which the ball was dropped out of his left-handed grasp. Pass said he felt as if he had been shot. He said he experienced a shooting pain in his left leg and it was a natural, immediate reaction to grab for the injured area with his left hand.

BRADY ON THE SOX: With Theo Epstein’s resignation as Red Sox general manager a big story in the region, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was asked his thoughts on the news. He told the assembled media he didn’t know what was happening with the Sox because he was so busy, and wasn’t that concerned with it.

EXTRA POINTS: Linebacker Tedy Bruschi spoke with the media in the locker room and said his body felt good … Newly signed fullback Heath Evans drew a media crowd and said he was happy to be upgrading, from the Dolphins (3-4) to the Patriots (4-3).

Looking ahead, we’ll plan on posting our next update around 4 p.m. ET with the injury report.

–Mike