Pats Pulpit
A sixth man has joined the list of non-participants in Foxborough.
The New England Patriots practiced without swing tackle and jumbo tight end Thayer Munford Jr. due to a knee injury on Thursday. Fellow offensive linemen Vederian Lowe and Garrett Bradbury remained sidelined due to illnesses, as well, while defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga’s absence continued because of a foot injury.
But there were additional moving parts as the Los Angeles Chargers near Gillette Stadium.
Here’s the second injury report leading up to Sunday’s 8 p.m. ET wild card.
Previously listed as a limited participant, Munford marked the fourth absence for the AFC East champions on Thursday. Since being signed back off the practice squad of the Cleveland Browns in November, the bookend has seen 100 snaps on offense and 30 snaps on special teams. A pair of starts have been notched along the way while reporting as eligible. Fellow linemen in Lowe and Bradbury have now missed consecutive sessions due to a sickness going around the locker room. As for Tonga, the three-phase nose tackle has not practiced since missing consecutive games to end the regular season.
Four Patriots practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday. Boutte would find himself among them. The wide receiver has been added to the injury report due to a hamstring injury. He missed Week 10 and Week 11 with a hamstring injury and later had a stint in the NFL’s concussion protocol, finishing the slate with 33 catches for 551 yards and a career-best six touchdowns. Elsewhere, a rookie starter at guard as well as a captain and sack leader at outside linebacker continued to be limited for New England. As for Austin, the cornerback has yet to be activated from injured reserve after having his 21-day practice window open on New Year’s Eve.
A handful of veterans graduated to full participation outside Gillette Stadium on Thursday. Moses and Jennings both sat out the previous session due to illnesses. And...
