FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- The New England Patriots' injury report confirmed that defensive end Chandler Jones has a hip injury. According to earlier reports, Jones will be out for a month.

Jones did not participate in practice Wednesday.

As Jones is expected to miss multiple games, the Patriots are preparing for the next man to step up. The team could turn to rookie defensive linemen Dominique Easley and Zach Moore to fill in for the injured Jones.

While the Patriots lost Jones to injury, Tom Brady (ankle), cornerback Brandon Browner (ankle), safety Devin McCourty (rib) and linebackers Dont'a Hightower (knee) and Jamie Collins (thigh) returned to full practice participation.

Offensive lineman Dan Connolly (concussion) and rookie center Bryan Stork (concussion) returned to practice after missing all of last week. Connolly missed the game against the Jets, and Stork missed two straight games. Both were limited participants Wednesday.

Core special-teamer Nate Ebner (finger) and rookie offensive lineman Cameron Fleming (finger) also returned to practice, though they were limited participants Wednesday. Both were spotted at Tuesday's practice wearing braces/casts on their right hands. Ebner's right thumb was protected by a cast.

Other limited participants include Easley (shoulder/knee) and core special-teamer Matthew Slater (shoulder).