As the AFC Championship draws near, both the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos are managing a laundry list of injuries - and Thursday’s practice reports gave us a clearer picture of where things stand heading into the weekend.
Let’s start in New England, where a new name popped up on the injury list: center Garrett Bradbury, who missed Thursday’s session due to illness. It’s a late-week surprise for the Patriots, especially considering Bradbury hadn’t previously been listed. His absence raises some eyebrows, particularly with the Broncos’ defensive front looming.
Also missing for the second straight day were linebackers Harold Landry III (knee) and Marte Mapu (hip). Two key pieces of the Patriots' defensive puzzle, their statuses will be worth watching closely. Landry’s presence as a pass rusher is especially critical in a game where pressuring Denver’s quarterback could swing momentum.
On a more encouraging note, several Patriots returned to the field during the portion of practice open to media. Linebacker Christian Elliss (hip), offensive tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (knee), tight end Hunter Henry, and veteran tackle Morgan Moses were all back in action. Henry and Moses were listed as rest days - a trend we’ve seen over the past few weeks, as New England continues to manage the workload of its veterans during this playoff push.
Wide receiver Mack Hollins (abdomen) also practiced, and his return is significant. He’s now eligible to be activated off injured reserve, and if he’s cleared, he could bring a physical presence to the Patriots’ receiving corps.
Meanwhile, cornerback Carlton Davis III is working through the final stages of the league’s concussion protocol - he’s in phase four, and there’s a realistic chance he clears it by Friday. Getting Davis back would be a huge boost to a secondary that will be tested by Denver’s athletic wideouts.
Here’s how the Patriots’ injury report breaks down:
Did Not Participate
- C Garrett Bradbury (Illness)
- LB Harold Landry III (Knee)
- LB Marte Mapu (Hip)
Limited Participation
- WR Mack Hollins (Abdomen)
- CB Carlton Davis III (Concussion)
- LB Christian Elliss (Hip)
- TE Hunter Henry (Rest)
- T Morgan Moses (Rest)
- T Thayer Munford Jr. (Knee)
Full Participation
- DT Joshua Farmer (Hamstring)
- RB TreVeyon Henderson (Shoulder)
- RB Terrell Jennings (Cleared Concussion Protocol)
- LB Robert Spillane (Hand)
Over in Denver, rookie quarterback Bo Nix was held out of practice with an ankle injury. That’s a development worth monitoring - not just for his availability, but for how the Broncos might adjust their offensive game plan if he’s limited or unavailable. Nix has been the steady hand guiding Denver’s offense, and any disruption there could shift the dynamic of this matchup.
Running back J.K. Dobbins (foot), center Alex Forsyth (ankle), and wide receiver Troy Franklin (hamstring) were all limited. Dobbins has been inching back toward full health, and his explosiveness out of the backfield could be a difference-maker if he’s able to go on Sunday.
The Broncos did get some good news, with several players logging full practices. Wide receiver Pat Bryant (concussion), tackle Frank Crum (ankle), tight end Lucas Krull (foot), linebacker Drew Sanders (ankle), safety JL Skinner (quad), and center Luke Wattenberg (shoulder) were all full participants - a positive sign for a team that’s looking to stay as close to full strength as possible for the biggest game of their season.
Here’s how Denver’s report shakes out:
Did Not Participate
- QB Bo Nix (Ankle)
Limited Participation
- RB J.K.
Dobbins (Foot)
- C Alex Forsyth (Ankle)
- WR Troy Franklin (Hamstring)
Full Participation
- WR Pat Bryant (Concussion)
- T Frank Crum (Ankle)
- TE Lucas Krull (Foot)
- LB Drew Sanders (Ankle)
- S JL Skinner (Quad)
- C Luke Wattenberg (Shoulder)
With kickoff just days away, the next 48 hours will be critical for both teams. The Patriots are trying to get healthy at just the right time, while the Broncos are holding their breath on the status of their young quarterback. One thing’s for sure - whoever takes the field Sunday is going to need to be ready for a battle.