Patriots Injury Report: Brady, Gronkowski Removed; Three Players Out
The full Patriots injury report is out for Sunday’s Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets.
Running backs Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee are ruled out, as is defensive tackle Alan Branch. All three are listed with knee injuries.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, who appeared on the injury report on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, are both removed from Friday’s report.
Similar to what he did in the past several weeks, Brady sat out Wednesday’s practice before returning as a limited participant on Thursday and Friday. He’s listed as having injuries to both his Achilles and left shoulder.
Brady will be a go on Sunday, but it will be interesting to see how long he stays in the game. The Patriots will be doing some scoreboard-watching with a chance to clinch home field advantage.
Gronkowski missed Thursday’s practice with an illness, but returned on Friday in Foxboro. He described his illness as a “quick bug” when he met with reporters on Friday. In light of that, expect him to be ready to go against the Jets. He has every reason to produce with a chance to trigger $2.5 million in incentives.
Rex Burkhead walks off the field with trainers against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Dec. 17, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The New England Patriots won 27-24. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
Patriots Injury Report: In Detail
Burkhead sprained his knee late in the Patriots’ 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Originally feared a torn ACL, the injury should be healed by the time the Patriots have to play the AFC Divisional Playoff.
Additionally, Branch is also dealing with a knee injury sustained against Miami in Week 14 against Miami. The defensive tackle still has a chance to return at the start of the postseason.
Gillislee is the third Patriot battling a knee injury. The running back returned in Week 16 after missing six straight games due to injuries or healthy scratches. He rushed six times for 28 yards and a touchdown last Sunday against the Bills.
Branch, Burkhead, and Gillislee all sat out practice from Wednesday-Friday. So their absences on Sunday against the Jets aren’t surprising. Defensive lineman Eric Lee (ankle) missed practice on Friday and is listed as questionable along with six others.
Full Patriots Injury Report:
OUT
DT Alan Branch (knee)
RB Rex Burkhead (knee)
RB Mike Gillislee (knee)
QUESTIONABLE
WR Chris Hogan (Shoulder)
DL Eric Lee (Ankle)
S Devin McCourty (Shoulder)
WR Matthew Slater (Hamstring)
LB Kyle Van Noy (Calf)
OT LaAdrian Waddle (Ankle)
RB James White (Ankle)
Tune in to 98.5 The Sports Hub starting at 10 a.m. for the Patriots pregame show with Marc Bertrand and Chris Gasper. Bob Socci and Scott Zolak have your call of the game starting at 1:00, followed by Marc Bertrand and Steve DeOssie on Patriots postgame coverage.
