As the New England Patriots gear up for their AFC Championship clash with the Denver Broncos, the injury report is already shaping the week’s narrative. Two key defenders - Harold Landry III and Marte Mapu - were absent from Wednesday’s practice, a notable development as the Patriots begin their on-field prep for Sunday’s 3 p.m. ET kickoff at Empower Field.
Let’s break it down by participation level, starting with who was missing entirely:
Did Not Participate
Patriots
- LB Harold Landry III (knee)
- LB Marte Mapu (hip)
Broncos
- QB Bo Nix (ankle)
Landry’s status is especially significant. The veteran linebacker has been battling a knee issue since midseason and saw limited action last week - just 11 snaps out of 75 in the divisional win over Houston.
Despite being the team’s sack leader and one of its emotional anchors on defense, Landry’s availability remains in doubt after a week that began with limited practices and ended with a Friday DNP. The Patriots managed without him for most of last weekend, but his presence against Denver’s offense - especially against the run and in pressure packages - would be a major boost.
Mapu, meanwhile, has carved out a key role on special teams and has been a versatile depth piece on defense. He logged 58% of the special teams snaps in the win over the Texans, so his absence would be felt most in that third phase of the game.
For Denver, rookie quarterback Bo Nix was also sidelined with an ankle injury. While there’s still time before Sunday, any limitation for the Broncos’ signal-caller this late in the season is worth watching closely.
Limited Participation
Patriots
- TE Hunter Henry (rest)
- OT Morgan Moses (rest)
- OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee)
- LB Christian Elliss (hip)
- CB Carlton Davis III (concussion protocol)
Broncos
- RB J.K. Dobbins (foot - IR return)
- WR Pat Bryant (concussion protocol)
- WR Troy Franklin (hamstring)
- C Alex Forsyth (ankle)
The most eye-catching name here is Carlton Davis III. The veteran cornerback exited late in the divisional round after a standout performance - two interceptions, two pass breakups, and four tackles, including one for loss.
He’s now in concussion protocol but was able to practice in a limited fashion, which is a positive sign for his availability. With Denver starting a new quarterback, Davis’ ability to lock down the perimeter and create takeaways could be a difference-maker.
Also worth noting: offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr. were both on the report, though Moses’ absence was simply a rest day. Munford’s knee issue bears watching, especially with the Patriots’ offensive line needing to hold up against a Broncos front that’s been heating up in the postseason.
Full Participation
Patriots
- RB TreVeyon Henderson (shoulder)
- RB Terrell Jennings (concussion protocol - IR return)
- DT Joshua Farmer (hamstring - IR return)
- LB Robert Spillane (hand)
Broncos
- TE Lucas Krull (foot - IR return)
- OT Frank Crum (ankle)
- C Luke Wattenberg (shoulder - IR return)
- LB Drew Sanders (ankle - IR return)
- S JL Skinner (quad)
This is where things start to look more optimistic for New England. Joshua Farmer, the rookie defensive tackle, returned to full practice after missing time with a hamstring injury.
The team opened his 21-day activation window this week, giving them the option to bring him up from IR before Saturday’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
He joins Terrell Jennings, who’s also working his way back from IR and was a full participant. Both players could provide a fresh jolt of energy and depth as the Patriots look to stay fresh in the trenches.
Robert Spillane, who’s been playing with a hand injury, was also back to full participation - a good sign for a linebacker group that’s already thin with Landry and Mapu on the shelf.
What It All Means
The Patriots are walking into this AFC Championship Game with a few key question marks, particularly on defense. Landry’s knee and Davis’ concussion status could have a real impact on how aggressive New England can be against a Broncos offense that’s still finding its rhythm with a new quarterback. At the same time, the potential return of Farmer and Jennings adds some intrigue - both could factor into the game plan if activated.
For Denver, the focus is on Bo Nix’s ankle and the health of several young offensive weapons. If Nix is limited or unavailable, it changes the entire complexion of what the Patriots’ defense will face.
We’ll know more as the week progresses, but for now, the Patriots are trying to strike the right balance - getting healthier while keeping momentum rolling. One game stands between them and a trip to the Super Bowl. The next few days of practice could go a long way in determining who’s suited up to make that push.