Patriots have only one player missing at practice as they work their way back to health
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots are slowly but surely getting healthier as January approaches and they get ready for a Dolphins game that they basically need to treat like a must-win.
Linebacker Shilique Calhoun was the only player missing from Patriots practice on Thursday in Foxboro, with everyone else accounted for. That includes cornerback Jonathan Jones, who missed all of last week with a groin injury. The Patriots felt the impact of Jones’ absence last Saturday against the Bills, as slot receiver Cole Beasley caught seven passes for 108 yards and helped give Buffalo an opportunity at a game-tying touchdown in the final minute. Jones is still on the injury report, but is now able to at least participate in a limited capacity.
The most important players to watch for on the injury report, however, remain quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Julian Edelman. The former did not appear on Wednesday’s projected injury report, which the team had to release on Christmas despite players having the holiday off. Edelman, however, is still on the report with knee and shoulder injuries, even though he looked healthier and more explosive against the Bills than he did in Week 15 against the Bengals.
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – DECEMBER 21: Micah Hyde #23 of the Buffalo Bills tackles Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots during the first quarter in the game at Gillette Stadium on December 21, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
In case you missed it, here’s the Patriots’ projected injury report from Christmas – all players listed as limited:
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley – Knee
OT Marcus Cannon – Ankle
LB Jamie Collins – Shoulder
WR Julian Edelman – Knee/Shoulder
CB Jonathan Jones – Groin
CB Jason McCourty – Groin
Cannon was added to the injury report this week after exiting last Saturday’s win over the Bills. Marshall Newhouse stepped in to play right tackle in his place.
Thursday will bring the first real, non-projected injury report of the week. The hope is that no one new shows up. It’s likely we see most, if not all, of the same names again.
Update: Thursday’s Patriots injury report is out. Calhoun missed practice due to an illness. The rest of the injury report is the same as Wednesday’s list of names.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.
