Patriots’ Injury Report: Key Starters Trending Down Ahead of AFC East Clash with Jets
The New England Patriots didn’t hit the practice field on Christmas Day, but the injury picture is starting to take shape ahead of Sunday’s AFC East showdown against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. And if the early outlook holds, the Patriots could be heading into this divisional rematch shorthanded in several key spots.
Eight Patriots Would’ve Missed Practice
Even without a formal session, New England released its projected injury report - and it wasn’t a short list. Eight players would have been non-participants if practice had been held, including multiple starters and contributors on both sides of the ball:
- WR Mack Hollins (abdomen)
- WR Kayshon Boutte (concussion protocol)
- TE C.J. Dippre (illness)
- G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
- DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
- LB Harold Landry III (knee)
- LB Robert Spillane (ankle)
- CB Carlton Davis III (illness)
Let’s start with Boutte and Wilson, both in concussion protocol. Wilson, the starting left guard, played every snap last weekend - all 74 of them - before symptoms surfaced.
Boutte, meanwhile, took a hard fall late in the fourth quarter after a contested catch attempt that drew no flag for defensive pass interference. Both are trending toward missing Sunday’s game, and that’s a blow to an offense that’s already had to shuffle its personnel week to week.
Up front on defense, Khyiris Tonga exited last Sunday’s 28-24 win with a foot injury. The big defensive tackle has been a key rotational piece across all three downs, and his potential absence could test the Patriots’ interior depth.
And then there’s Spillane - the team’s captain and leading tackler - who hasn’t suited up the past two weeks due to an ankle injury. His leadership and production in the middle of the defense would be tough to replace.
Add in Hollins, Landry, and Davis, and you’ve got a list that touches nearly every position group. And with the Jets still fighting for pride and positioning, the timing couldn’t be worse.
Limited Participants: Henderson Progressing, Douglas Joins the List
Seven Patriots were listed as limited participants, including standout rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson, who continues to work through the concussion protocol. On Christmas Eve, Henderson practiced in a red non-contact jersey - a sign of progress, but also a reminder that he still has hurdles to clear before being game-ready. He was ruled out at halftime last weekend after managing just 12 yards from scrimmage, and his status will be one to watch closely heading into Friday’s final practice.
Also limited were:
- WR DeMario Douglas (hamstring)
- OT Morgan Moses (knee)
- OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee)
- DT Milton Williams (ankle - IR return window opened)
- LB Anfernee Jennings (ankle)
- CB Charles Woods (foot)
Douglas, Moses, Munford, Jennings, and Woods all popped up on the injury report after the team clinched a playoff berth - a development that might suggest a cautious approach from the coaching staff. But with postseason seeding still in play, New England may not have the luxury of resting too many contributors.
One name to keep an eye on is Milton Williams. The defensive tackle is in the 21-day window to return from injured reserve, and his availability could help offset Tonga’s potential absence.
Jets’ Report: Several Starters Banged Up
The Jets are dealing with their own injury concerns, with four players listed as non-participants:
- TE Mason Taylor (neck)
- DT Jay Tufele (foot)
- DE Will McDonald IV (knee)
- LB Kiko Mauigoa (neck)
Quarterback Tyrod Taylor (knee) and defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (knee) were both limited, while DE Eric Watts was the lone Jet to log a full session, continuing to progress through concussion protocol.
What’s Next
Friday’s practice will be the key indicator for both teams. That’s when final designations - questionable, doubtful, out - will be assigned.
For the Patriots, the statuses of Wilson, Boutte, Spillane, and Tonga loom large. If they’re unable to go, New England will need to lean on its depth in a game that could help shape the AFC playoff picture.
Sunday’s kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET in East Rutherford. The Patriots may already have a postseason ticket punched, but don’t expect them to treat this one like a holiday scrimmage - not with so much still on the line.