The New England Patriots are limping into Week 17, and the injury bug isn’t just biting-it’s feasting.
Fresh off a gritty Sunday night win over the Baltimore Ravens, the Patriots returned to the practice field Wednesday with a long list of key absences. The physical toll of that primetime clash was evident, and it’s already forced the team to shuffle the roster ahead of their upcoming rematch with the New York Jets.
Head coach Mike Vrabel didn’t sugarcoat the situation when asked about veteran linebacker Robert Spillane’s status. “He’d need a Christmas miracle” to practice this week, Vrabel said. Not exactly the kind of update Patriots fans were hoping for with the playoffs still technically within reach.
Spillane isn’t the only one on the shelf. Running back TreVeyon Henderson, guard Jared Wilson, and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte are all in concussion protocol. That’s three offensive contributors whose availability is now in serious doubt.
There was at least a glimmer of hope when Henderson showed up to practice Wednesday in a red non-contact jersey. That’s typically a sign a player is progressing through the protocol, and it puts him ahead of Wilson and Boutte in terms of potential return. Still, with just days to go before kickoff, nothing’s guaranteed.
In total, eight Patriots players did not participate in Wednesday’s session. That includes wideout Mack Hollins (abdomen), linebacker Harold Landry (knee), defensive lineman Khyiris Tonga (foot), and cornerback Carlton Davis III, who was sidelined due to illness. Tight end CJ Dippre also missed practice with an illness.
Here’s the full breakdown of the Patriots’ injury report:
Did Not Participate:
- WR Kayshon Boutte (Concussion Protocol)
- CB Carlton Davis III (Illness)
- TE CJ Dippre (Illness)
- WR Mack Hollins (Abdomen)
- LB Harold Landry (Knee)
- LB Robert Spillane (Ankle)
- DL Khyiris Tonga (Foot)
- G Jared Wilson (Concussion Protocol)
Limited Participants:
- WR DeMario Douglas (Hamstring)
- RB TreVeyon Henderson (Concussion Protocol)
- LB Anfernee Jennings (Ankle)
- T Morgan Moses (Knee)
- T Thayer Munford Jr.
(Knee)
- DT Milton Williams (Ankle)
- CB Charles Woods (Foot)
Full Participants:
- None listed
As for the Jets, they’ve got injury concerns of their own-most notably at quarterback. Justin Fields didn’t practice due to a knee issue, and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor was limited with a knee injury of his own. That leaves the Jets’ quarterback situation murky heading into the weekend.
Here’s the Jets’ injury report:
Did Not Participate:
- QB Justin Fields (Knee)
- LB Kiko Mauigoa (Neck)
- DL Will McDonald IV (Knee)
- TE Mason Taylor (Neck)
- DL Jay Tufele (Foot)
Limited Participants:
- DL Harrison Phillips (Knee)
- QB Tyrod Taylor (Knee)
Full Participants:
- DL Eric Watts (Concussion)
Both teams are dealing with significant attrition, and with the AFC playoff picture still unsettled, every snap in Week 17 is going to matter. For the Patriots, the hope is that a few of these names-particularly Henderson and Douglas-can get closer to full strength by Sunday. But as things stand, depth will be tested, and coaching creativity will be at a premium.
The Patriots and Jets have plenty of history, and this one might come down to which team can patch together a healthier lineup in time.