UNDATED (WHDH) -- The Patriots are preparing for a Thanksgiving Day throw down with their division rival, the New York Jets.

The Thursday night game means both teams are dealing with unusual schedules.

Seventy-two hours ago, the Patriots were playing, and in about 24 hours they'll be playing again. The Patriots would've just completed their first practice in a normal week.

It may be a challenge, but it’s one the Pats are ready for.

"How we doing today? Happy early Thanksgiving," Patriots quarterback Tom Brady said.

Emphasis on the early. The Patriots are feeling the crunch of a condensed week of preparations, and that means some long days at the office.

"Obviously, we're a work in process…progress. We're a work in…It's early in the morning, sorry guys,” said Jerod Mayo.

No apologies necessary, as long as everybody's priorities are in the right place.

"Hopefully everyone is spending their time wisely, not playing video games and stuff like that, trying to understand our plan and what we need to do," Brady said.

"Obviously, your body is a little sore, but the mental aspect of trying to cram all the information over the last couple of games about this team, it's very mentally taxing," Mayo said.

Rob Gronkowski and his broken forearm will miss this Turkey Day feast, but there are plenty of others ready to take his seat at the table.

"It puts pressure on everybody, not one player can just replace him. We gotta fiddle around, and everyone has to step up," said Aaron Hernandez.

"He’s not playing this week, so we have to go out there and win without him. There are a lot of guys who are capable of making plays for us, and that's where my attention is focused, on the guys that are going to try to help us win this game," Brady said.

The Patriots did in fact rule Rob Gronkowski out for Thursday's game, but he's not the only one. Guard Logan Mankins and defensive end Chandler Jones also ruled out -- and Rex Ryan is rejoicing.

You can see the Patriots take on the Jets Thursday night on 7NBC.

7News’ coverage starts at 7 p.m. with a special edition of "7 on the Sidelines."