As the New England Patriots gear up for their AFC East rematch against the Buffalo Bills, they're doing so without one of the key anchors of their defense. Outside linebacker Harold Landry III was absent from Thursday’s practice, a notable development considering his impact this season.
Landry leads the team in sacks, tackles for loss, and quarterback hits - a trifecta of disruption that’s been central to New England’s defensive identity. He had been limited earlier in the week while managing a knee injury, but his absence Thursday raises questions about his availability for Sunday’s 1 p.m.
ET kickoff at Gillette Stadium.
Landry’s situation is one to monitor closely. Since arriving in March, he’s become a focal point off the edge, and his recent dip in snap count - just 31 in the team’s last outing - suggests that knee issue is more than just a minor knock. If he can’t go, the Patriots will need to get creative with their pass rush rotation, especially against a Bills offense that can catch fire quickly.
Also missing from Thursday’s session was running back Terrell Jennings, who remains in concussion protocol. Jennings went down in the first half of the Patriots’ win over the Giants before the bye, heading from the blue tent to the locker room and never returning. He’s been sidelined since, and with his dual role as a runner and return man, his absence is felt on both offense and special teams.
Patriots - Did Not Participate (Thursday):
- RB Terrell Jennings (concussion)
- LB Harold Landry III (knee)
Bills - Did Not Participate (Thursday):
- QB Mitchell Trubisky (illness)
For the Bills, backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky missed practice due to illness. While he’s not the starter, any QB absence is worth noting, especially with the physical nature of AFC East matchups where depth can come into play quickly.
The Patriots did get some work in from a pair of contributors dealing with injuries. Offensive tackle Vederian Lowe, who just made his first start of the season at left tackle, was limited with an abdomen issue.
That’s a position the Patriots can’t afford to have more instability at, especially with the Bills’ defensive front looming. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Robert Spillane was a new addition to the injury report with a foot injury.
Spillane leads the team in tackles and is third in defensive snaps - not exactly someone the Patriots want to be without in a game that could turn into a physical slugfest.
Patriots - Limited Participation (Thursday):
- OT Vederian Lowe (abdomen)
- LB Robert Spillane (foot)
Bills - Limited Participation (Thursday):
- WR Joshua Palmer (ankle)
- OT Spencer Brown (shoulder)
- DE Joey Bosa (wrist, hamstring)
- LB Terrel Bernard (elbow)
- CB Christian Benford (toe)
The Bills had a handful of key contributors limited as well. Cornerback Christian Benford was seen in a walking boot after practice, which is never a great sign this late in the week.
He’s been heating up lately, with interceptions in back-to-back games - including a 63-yard pick-six - so his status will be one to watch. Joey Bosa continues to manage multiple injuries, and Terrel Bernard’s elbow issue is something the Bills will need to monitor, given his importance in the middle of the defense.
There was some good news for both teams. Several players returned to full participation, including Patriots rookie guard Jared Wilson and nose tackle Khyiris Tonga.
Both had been inactive in Week 13 due to injuries, but back-to-back full practices suggest they’re trending in the right direction. Tonga, in particular, brings valuable depth and versatility to the defensive front.
Patriots - Full Participation (Thursday):
- G Jared Wilson (ankle)
- DT Christian Barmore (not injury related - other)
- DT Khyiris Tonga (chest)
- S Brenden Schooler (ankle)
Bills - Full Participation (Thursday):
- TE Dalton Kincaid (knee)
- TE Dawson Knox (not injury related - personal)
- S Cole Bishop (calf)
For Buffalo, tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox were both full participants, which is a big boost for their passing game. Kincaid’s ability to stretch the seam and Knox’s veteran presence give the Bills a dual threat at tight end that few teams can match when both are healthy.
With kickoff approaching, both teams are navigating a critical stretch of the season, and the injury report is starting to reflect the wear and tear of December football. For the Patriots, the potential absence of Landry and Jennings could reshape their game plan.
For the Bills, the health of their secondary and defensive front will be under the microscope. Sunday’s showdown at Gillette Stadium might not just be about who’s better - it could come down to who’s healthier.