As the New England Patriots shift their focus squarely onto the Denver Broncos ahead of Sunday’s AFC Championship clash at Empower Field, they’re doing so without one of their most durable linemen. Center Garrett Bradbury, who’s logged over 1,100 offensive snaps this season, was absent from Thursday’s practice due to an illness - a notable development as the team prepares for its biggest game of the year.
Bradbury has been a steady presence in the middle of the offensive line, anchoring protection schemes and helping to keep the offense on schedule. He played every snap in both the wild card and divisional rounds, and until the final two games of the regular season, he hadn’t missed a down. His status will be one to watch closely as the Patriots inch closer to kickoff in Denver.
The Patriots were also without two key defenders on Thursday: Harold Landry III and Marte Mapu. Landry, still dealing with a lingering knee issue that’s been hanging around since the fall, has now missed back-to-back practices.
He was listed as questionable last week, suited up on game day, but saw the field for only 11 of New England’s 75 defensive snaps. That limited usage raises questions about how close to full strength the team’s top sack artist really is.
Mapu, meanwhile, is nursing a hip injury that’s kept him off the field during Denver prep. The second-year linebacker has been a vital cog on special teams, logging nearly 60% of the snaps in that phase during the Patriots’ playoff win at Gillette Stadium. His availability could have a ripple effect on New England’s third-phase coverage and return units.
Here’s how the rest of Thursday’s injury report breaks down:
Did Not Participate
Patriots
- C Garrett Bradbury (illness)
- LB Harold Landry III (knee)
- LB Marte Mapu (hip)
Broncos
- QB Bo Nix (ankle)
Over in Denver, rookie quarterback Bo Nix continues to sit out with an ankle issue. His status is equally critical with the AFC title on the line.
Limited Participants
Patriots
- WR Mack Hollins (abdomen - IR return)
- 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 Troy Franklin (hamstring)
- C Alex Forsyth (ankle)
One of the more intriguing developments for New England is the return of veteran wideout Mack Hollins to the practice field. The team officially opened his 21-day activation window on Thursday.
He’s been out since December with an abdominal injury but was back in a red non-contact jersey, signaling early steps toward a possible return. Hollins’ size and experience could add a valuable layer to the Patriots’ receiving corps if he’s cleared in time.
Cornerback Carlton Davis III is another name to circle. He’s progressing through concussion protocol after exiting late in the divisional round. Before that, he was having a standout game - two interceptions, two pass breakups, and a tackle for loss - a performance that underscores just how important his return would be against a Denver offense that can stretch the field.
Full Participants
Patriots
- RB TreVeyon Henderson (shoulder)
- RB Terrell Jennings (concussion protocol - IR return)
- DT Joshua Farmer (hamstring - IR return)
- LB Robert Spillane (hand)
Broncos
- WR Pat Bryant (concussion protocol)
- 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)
No changes among the Patriots’ full participants from Wednesday to Thursday. That’s good news for a team hoping to get a few key reinforcements back just in time for the conference title game.
Running back Terrell Jennings and defensive tackle Joshua Farmer both remain in the mix to be activated from injured reserve. Jennings, who suffered a concussion in early December, has been sidelined for weeks, while Farmer has missed the last four games with a hamstring issue.
Both had their practice windows opened recently and could be activated if roster space becomes available.
The Patriots’ 53-man roster is currently full, so any additions would require corresponding moves. Those decisions will come to a head by Saturday at 4 p.m. ET - the deadline for roster adjustments ahead of Sunday’s 3 p.m. kickoff.
With a trip to the Super Bowl on the line, every snap, every substitution, and every injury status matters. The Patriots are deep into game prep, and while a few key names remain question marks, the team is clearly doing everything it can to be as close to full strength as possible when they walk into Mile High.