Patriots-Bills Injury Report: Jonnu Smith, Marcus Jones Status? Damar Hamlin Update

The Patriots had only one non-participant in their penultimate practice in preparations for their Week 18 matchup with the Buffalo Bills.

FOXBORO — With all signs pointing to their Week 18 game being played as scheduled, the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills each returned to the practice fields on Thursday afternoon. 

New England welcomed back two key players from concussion protocol, while the news from Buffalo provided palpable optimism regarding the condition of safety Damar Hamlin. 

With Sunday’s matchup fast approaching, here is Thursday’s full report, along with its implications for the 2022 regular season finale.  

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (8-8)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
DL Davon Godchaux - Illness

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DB Myles Bryant - Shoulder
CB Jonathan Jones - Chest
DB Marcus Jones - Concussion
WR Jakobi Meyers - Shoulder
CB Jalen Mills - Groin
WR DeVante Parker - Concussion
DB Brenden Schooler - Hip
TE Jonnu Smith - Concussion

What it means for New England:

The return of both rookie defensive back Marcus Jones and tight end Jonnu Smith provides hope that either, or both, may be ready to suit up for Sunday’s game against the Bills. Facing a must-win situation, the Pats will greatly benefit from both players’ production at their respective positions. Still, Friday’s practice report may be a more reliable gauge in determining whether Jones or Smith is able to play in Week 18, as the extent of their head injuries remains unknown. 

The lone non-participant on Thursday was defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, listed as missing practice due to an illness. Godchaux was not listed on New England’s initial injury report from Wednesday. As such, his status will be worth watching on Friday. Through 16 starts this season, veteran tackle has compiled 59 tackles and 1.5 sacks.

Slot cornerback Myles Bryant (shoulder) and rookie special teamer Brendan Schooler (hip) were added to the report, after not being listed on Wednesday.  

BUFFALO BILLS (12-3)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
G Rodger Saffold - Veteran Rest
S Jordan Poyer - Knee / Veteran Rest

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
QB Josh Allen - Ankle / Right Elbow
LB Tyrel Dodson - Knee
CB Taron Johnson - Concussion
TE Dawson Knox - Hip
LB Matt Milano - Knee
DT Jordan Phillips - Shoulder

FULL PARTICIPATION
CB Cam Lewis - Forearm

What it means for Buffalo:

While several watchful eyes were on the Bills’ practice field on Thursday, the collective hearts of fans, media and teams throughout the NFL universe were encouraged by the update provided by Damar Hamlin’s physicians. 

An update we were all hoping for. ❤️💙

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 5, 2023

Buoyed by the encouraging news regarding Hamlin, the Bills also enjoyed strong attendance at their first full practice of the week. The team participated in a walkthrough on Wednesday. 

Cornerback Taron Johnson was once again listed as a limited participant with a concussion, which may be a sign that he could be ready to play. Johnson’s status on Friday should reveal a bit more about his hopes for suiting up against the Patriots. It should be noted that Buffalo may take a cautious approach with the veteran defenisve back, having suffered his third publicly-reported concussion. 

Kickoff between the Patriots and Bills is set for 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan 8 from Highmark Stadium.   

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Follow Mike D’Abate on Twitter @mdabateNFL and Listen/Subscribe to his daily podcast: Locked On Patriots

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