The New England Patriots are heading into their biggest game of the season with both setbacks and reinforcements - and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With the AFC East title within reach, Sunday’s matchup against the Buffalo Bills is more than just another regular-season contest. It’s a playoff-caliber showdown with everything on the line.
Head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed that running back Terrell Jennings has been ruled out due to a concussion. That’s a tough loss for a Patriots backfield that’s already leaned heavily on TreVeyon Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson. Jennings has shown flashes of explosiveness this season, and his absence removes a layer of depth and versatility from New England’s offensive game plan.
To help fill the gap, the Patriots are elevating veteran D’Ernest Johnson from the practice squad. Johnson, known for his patience and vision, will slot in as the No. 3 back. While he may not be a featured piece, don’t be surprised if he finds a way to make his presence felt - especially in short-yardage or third-down situations.
On the defensive side, linebacker Robert Spillane is officially listed as questionable with a foot injury. That designation looms large.
Spillane has been the heart of this Patriots defense all season, leading the team with 97 total tackles. His physicality and instincts in the middle of the field have been critical to New England’s ability to slow down opposing run games and keep quarterbacks uncomfortable.
If he can’t go, it’s a major challenge for a unit that’s already going to have its hands full with Josh Allen and the Bills’ high-powered offense.
But it’s not all bad news in Foxborough.
The Patriots are getting some key reinforcements back just in time. Starting left guard Jared Wilson is set to return, a much-needed boost for an offensive line that will need to be at its best against Buffalo’s aggressive front. Wilson’s return should help stabilize the interior and give quarterback protection a much-needed lift.
On the other side of the ball, defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga is also back in the fold. Tonga’s presence in the middle of the defensive line adds size and strength to the run defense - a crucial factor when facing a dual-threat quarterback like Allen.
And there’s more good news: edge rusher Harold Landry III appears ready to go after being limited earlier in the week with a knee issue. If Landry is at or near full speed, his ability to generate pressure off the edge could be a game-changer.
This is the kind of game where every snap matters. A win on Sunday doesn’t just inch the Patriots closer to the playoffs - it locks up the AFC East crown. But to get there, they’ll need to sweep the season series against a Bills team that’s just as hungry and just as dangerous.
The formula is clear: protect the quarterback, win the battle in the trenches, and find a way to slow down Josh Allen. With key players returning and the division on the line, the Patriots have a shot - but they’ll need to bring their best, and then some.