As the New England Patriots prepare for a primetime clash with the Baltimore Ravens, the Week 16 injury report is painting a familiar picture for a team that’s been battling attrition on defense all season. Thursday’s practice in Foxborough brought a bit of good news with the return of linebacker Christian Elliss, but the list of absentees still looms large - and it’s filled with key contributors on all three levels of the defense.
Let’s break it down.
Out Again: Patriots Defense Missing Key Starters
Four Patriots defenders - Harold Landry III, Robert Spillane, Carlton Davis III, and Marcus Jones - were once again absent from practice, raising serious questions about their availability for Sunday night’s showdown at M&T Bank Stadium.
Let’s start with Spillane. The team’s leading tackler didn’t suit up in last week’s narrow loss to the Buffalo Bills, despite being active on game day.
He had been limited in practice leading up to that game and was listed as questionable with a foot issue. But while he avoided the inactives list, he never saw the field - and has since been spotted in a walking boot.
That’s never a good sign this late in the week.
Then there’s Harold Landry III and Marcus Jones, two defensive captains who have been cornerstones of this unit. Landry leads the team with 8.5 sacks, while Jones sits atop the interception chart with three picks.
Both are sidelined with knee injuries and have now missed multiple practices. If they can’t go, the Patriots lose not just production, but leadership and versatility - especially with Jones, who brings value in the return game and as a playmaker in the secondary.
Carlton Davis III rounds out the quartet of DNPs. The veteran corner logged 45 of 70 snaps last Sunday, gutting it out despite a hip injury that was originally reported as a groin issue.
His status will be one to watch closely. With Jones also banged up, the Patriots’ cornerback depth is being tested at exactly the wrong time.
Limited: Elliss Returns, But Not at Full Strength
Christian Elliss was back on the field Thursday, albeit in a limited role. The linebacker has been quietly effective this season, starting 10 of his 12 games and logging significant snaps on both defense (48%) and special teams (40%).
His stat line - 76 tackles, a forced fumble, and three passes defensed - speaks to his versatility and nose for the football. Getting him back, even in a limited capacity, is a step in the right direction for a defense that’s been stretched thin.
Ravens Dealing With Their Own Injury Concerns
Baltimore isn’t coming in at full strength either. Defensive tackle John Jenkins, linebacker Teddye Buchanan, and cornerback Chidobe Awuzie all missed Thursday’s session. That’s a trio of contributors from the front seven to the secondary who are now in jeopardy of missing Sunday night’s game.
Meanwhile, offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and center Tyler Linderbaum were limited participants. Stanley’s been battling multiple lower-body injuries this season, and Linderbaum is a key cog in the middle of that offensive line. Their health is crucial for a Ravens offense that thrives on timing and rhythm - especially in the run game.
Veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy and rookie Jay Higgins IV (who’s currently on IR but eligible to return) were also limited.
Full Go: Lamar Jackson, Roquan Smith Among Ravens Returning
The biggest news for Baltimore? Lamar Jackson is back at full participation after missing Wednesday’s practice due to illness.
The 2019 and 2023 MVP has been in elite form this season, and his availability instantly changes the complexion of this matchup. With Jackson under center, the Ravens' offense becomes a multi-dimensional threat that can stress a defense vertically, horizontally, and in the run game.
Also back at full speed: linebacker Roquan Smith. The five-time All-Pro is the heartbeat of Baltimore’s defense and a tone-setter in the middle. His presence alone elevates the Ravens’ ability to match up against both the run and the pass.
Wide receivers Zay Flowers (neck) and Rashod Bateman (ankle), defensive tackle C.J. Okoye (quad), and safety Keondre Jackson (ankle) were all full participants as well - a promising sign for a Ravens team that’s eyeing a strong finish to the regular season.
Looking Ahead to Sunday Night
With kickoff set for 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, both teams are trending in different directions on the injury front. The Ravens appear to be getting healthier at just the right time, while the Patriots are still waiting on clarity for some of their most important defensive players.
For New England, the absence of Spillane, Landry, Jones, and Davis - even if just one or two are out - would be a major blow against a Ravens offense that can hurt you in so many ways. And with playoff implications still in play, this is a game where every snap, every matchup, and every healthy body matters.
We’ll learn more in the final practice sessions, but for now, the Patriots are limping toward Baltimore - and the Ravens are gearing up at full speed.