With the AFC Championship looming, the New England Patriots are navigating a few key health updates that could have implications heading into their clash with the Denver Broncos.
Let’s start with the surprise of the day: Garrett Bradbury was a new addition to the injury report, missing Thursday’s practice due to illness. That’s a notable development considering Bradbury hadn’t previously appeared on the report. While illnesses can be short-term setbacks, timing is everything in January football - and missing reps this late in the week is never ideal, especially for a starting center who’s integral to pre-snap communication and protection calls.
Linebackers Harold Landry III (knee) and Marte Mapu (hip) both missed their second straight practice. That’s worth watching.
Landry has been a key piece in the Patriots’ pass-rush rotation, and Mapu’s versatility as a hybrid linebacker-safety gives New England flexibility against both the run and the pass. Two consecutive DNPs this close to game time usually signal a real chance of inactivity on Sunday.
The good news for New England? Several key veterans were back on the field during the portion of practice open to the media.
Christian Elliss (hip), Thayer Munford Jr. (knee), Morgan Moses (rest), and Hunter Henry (rest) all returned after recent absences. The Patriots have been strategic with veteran rest days throughout the postseason push, and that trend continues here.
Nothing unusual - just load management for players they’ll need at full strength come Sunday.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) and cornerback Carlton Davis III (concussion) were both limited participants. Hollins’ presence is particularly interesting - he’s now eligible to be activated off injured reserve, giving New England another potential weapon on the perimeter.
As for Davis, he’s in phase four of the league’s concussion protocol, which puts him on the doorstep of a return. If he clears the final hurdle on Friday, he could suit up for the AFC title game - a big boost for a secondary that’ll need all hands on deck against Denver’s vertical passing game.
Here’s a breakdown of Thursday’s participation report:
New England Patriots
Did Not Participate:
- C Garrett Bradbury (Illness)
- LB Harold Landry III (Knee)
- LB Marte Mapu (Hip)
Limited Participation:
- WR Mack Hollins (Abdomen)
- CB Carlton Davis III (Concussion)
- LB Christian Elliss (Hip)
- TE Hunter Henry (Rest)
- T Morgan Moses (Rest)
- T Thayer Munford Jr. (Knee)
Full Participation:
- DT Joshua Farmer (Hamstring)
- RB TreVeyon Henderson (Shoulder)
- RB Terrell Jennings (Cleared Concussion Protocol)
- LB Robert Spillane (Hand)
Over in Denver, the Broncos are dealing with their own set of injury concerns - most notably quarterback Bo Nix, who did not practice due to an ankle issue. That’s a significant development for a team that’s relied heavily on Nix’s poise and playmaking down the stretch. Whether this is precautionary or more serious remains to be seen, but any limitations for the rookie QB heading into the weekend will be closely monitored.
Running back J.K. Dobbins (foot), center Alex Forsyth (ankle), and wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) were all limited. Dobbins’ return to the lineup has been gradual, and while he’s not yet a full participant, even a limited Dobbins gives Denver a dynamic option in the backfield.
The Broncos did get a few players back in full: wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion), tackle Frank Crum (ankle), tight end Lucas Krull (foot), linebacker Drew Sanders (ankle), safety JL Skinner (quad), and center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) all practiced without limitations.
Denver Broncos
Did Not Participate:
- QB Bo Nix (Ankle)
Limited Participation:
- RB J.K.
Dobbins (Foot)
- C Alex Forsyth (Ankle)
- WR Troy Franklin (Hamstring)
Full Participation:
- WR Pat Bryant (Concussion)
- T Frank Crum (Ankle)
- TE Lucas Krull (Foot)
- LB Drew Sanders (Ankle)
- S JL Skinner (Quad)
- C Luke Wattenberg (Shoulder)
With kickoff just days away, both teams are walking the fine line between rest and readiness. For New England, the hope is that Bradbury’s illness is short-lived and that Landry and Mapu can make late-week pushes. For Denver, all eyes are on Bo Nix’s ankle and whether the rookie can get back on the field before Sunday.
This is the time of year when every snap counts and every player matters - and both teams are doing everything they can to field their best 53 when it matters most.