With an extra week to prepare for the postseason after clinching the top seed in the AFC, the New England Patriots are getting healthy in some very important areas.

On Wednesday, defensive tackle Alan Branch and running back Rex Burkhead returned to Patriots practice, per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. Both players are recovering from knee injuries suffered late in the season. Branch has been out since Week 14, while Burkhead suffered his ailment in New England's Week 15 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

While both players could've tried to give it a go in Week 17 against the New York Jets, the Patriots made the wise move to let them rest up and recover for the playoffs. If New England didn't have a bye, it appears both guys could've played this weekend.

Burkhead carved himself a nice role in New England's offense this season, and Branch's importance on the defensive side of the ball can't be overstated. The 6'6″, 350-pound veteran is in his fourth season with the franchise, serving as a worthy successor to Vince Wilfork. His ability to consistently clog up the trenches and slow down opposing running games led to New England giving him a two-year, $12 million contract extension this past March.

The only players to miss today's practice were running back Mike Gillislee and defensive end Eric Lee, who are nursing knee and ankle injuries, respectively.