Carlton Davis Progressing Through Concussion Protocol Ahead of AFC Title Game; J.K. Dobbins Returns to Broncos Practice
As the Patriots and Broncos gear up for Sunday’s AFC Championship clash, both teams are navigating key injury concerns - but there’s cautious optimism on both sides of the field.
In Foxboro, cornerback Carlton Davis was back on the practice field Wednesday in a limited capacity, signaling he’s likely in Phase Four of the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol. That’s a promising development for a Patriots secondary that could use every available playmaker against Denver’s emerging passing attack. Davis’ return, even in a limited role, suggests he’s trending in the right direction with a few days still to go before kickoff.
He wasn’t alone in the limited group. Linebacker Christian Elliss (hip) also participated on a restricted basis, while veteran tight end Hunter Henry and right tackle Morgan Moses were listed as limited due to rest.
That’s standard operating procedure for experienced vets at this point in the season - more about preservation than concern. Offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (knee) also remains limited, a situation worth monitoring as the Patriots look to protect their quarterback against a Broncos front that’s been heating up.
The Patriots did get good news with a handful of players logging full participation. Defensive tackle Joshua Farmer, working back from a hamstring issue, was a full go.
Running backs TreVeyon Henderson (shoulder) and Terrell Jennings - who has now cleared concussion protocol - both practiced in full. Linebacker Robert Spillane, dealing with a hand injury, also practiced without restriction.
However, not all the news was positive. Linebackers Harold Landry III (knee) and Marte Mapu (hip) did not practice, and their status remains uncertain heading into the weekend.
Out west in Denver, the Broncos welcomed back running back J.K. Dobbins to the practice field for the first time in two months.
He was limited with a foot injury, but his presence alone is a major development for a Denver offense that’s been searching for consistency in the run game. If Dobbins can suit up Sunday, even in a rotational role, it could change how the Patriots approach their defensive game plan.
Quarterback Bo Nix (ankle) was held out entirely, a notable absence considering the stakes. While there’s still time for him to make progress, his availability will be a key storyline to watch as the week unfolds.
Also limited for Denver were wide receivers Pat Bryant (concussion) and Troy Franklin (hamstring), center Alex Forsyth (ankle), and Dobbins. The Broncos did see several players return to full participation, including tackle Frank Crum (ankle), tight end Lucas Krull (foot), linebacker Drew Sanders (ankle), safety JL Skinner (quad), and center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder).
With both teams battling the attrition that comes with a deep playoff run, health could be a defining factor in Sunday’s matchup. For now, the signs are cautiously encouraging - but the next few practice reports will tell us a lot more about who’s ready to take the field with a Super Bowl berth on the line.