Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots began preparations for the New York Jets without eight.
Wide receivers Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, tight end C.J. Dippre, guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Khyris Tonga, linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, as well as cornerback Carlton Davis III remained sidelined during Christmas Eve’s practice in Foxborough.
But the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month joined the limited.
Here’s the first injury report ahead of Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium.
At running back, wide receiver and along the interior offensive line, a series of signings have been made since three members of New England’s active roster entered the NFL’s concussion protocol. Sunday night’s 28-24 win at M&T Bank Stadium spanned double-digit visits to the blue medical tent. And also several visits to the locker room.
Meanwhile, Spillane was inactive for the matchup due to an ankle injury that has kept him out for back-to-back games. Barring a “Christmas miracle,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that the linebacker, captain and tackle leader wouldn’t be practicing this week.
While two starters in concussion protocol were absent for the Patriots, Henderson practiced in a red non-contact jersey. The No. 38 overall pick out of Ohio State was among seven partial participants on Wednesday after being ruled out last weekend.
The Patriots also opened the week by opening the 21-day window for Williams. The four-year, $104 million defensive lineman is eligible to be activated in time for the AFC East trip to East Rutherford after missing four games with a high ankle sprain. Handling a career-high 60.98 percent of the defensive snaps prior to landing on injured reserve in November, his campaign has spanned 11 starts, 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks. It’s also spanned eight quarterback hits, seven stops for loss and one batted pass.
No Patriots working back from ailments graduated to full participation on Wednesday, while a sophomore defensive end went in that capacity for the Jets.
