2 Patriots Starters OUT: Full Status Report vs. Jets - Injury Tracker

The New England Patriots will be without the services of two key contributors on offense for their Week 18 matchup with the New York Jets.
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JAN. 5  PATRIOTS DECLARE HUNTER HENRY OUT, 12 QUESTIONABLE VS. NEW YORK JETS: FULL INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots and the New York Jets have announced the following player injuries, practice participation and game status for their Week 18 matchup at Gillette Stadium.

Tight end Hunter Henry, who has missed New England’s past two games due to a knee injury, will miss also miss this weekend’s season-finale. Henry did not participate in Friday’s practice, after having been limited throughout the week. Starting left tackle Trent Brown will also be sidelined for the second straight week, with an illness keeping him from the practice field all week.  

Lastly, receiver Tyquan Thornton (ankle) and safety Jalen Mills (ankle) were added to Friday's injury report. The pair are  among 12 listed as questionable after they were limited during practice. 

Friday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-12)

OUT
OT Trent Brown, Illness (DNP)
TE Hunter Henry, Knee (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
DL Christian Barmore, Knee (LP)
TE Pharaoh Brown, Ribs (LP)
DB Myles Bryant, Illness (LP)
LB Anfernee Jennings, Knee (LP)
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee (LP)
S Jalen Mills, Ankle (LP)
WR DeVante Parker, Ribs (LP)
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring (LP)
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring (LP)
LB Jahlani Tavai, Tooth (LP)
WR Tyquan Thornton, Ankle (LP)
CB Shaun Wade, Hip (LP)

NEW YORK JETS (6-10)

OUT
OL Jacob Hansen, Concussion (DNP)
QB Aaron Rodgers, Achilles (LP)
TE Jeremy Ruckert, Concussion (DNP)
QB Zach Wilson, Concussion (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
OL Wes Schweitzer, Calf (LP)

QUESTIONABLE
No Players Listed

*DNP - Did Not Participate

*LP - Limited Participation

*FP - Full Participation


JAN. 4 PATRIOTS S JABRILL PEPPERS EXPECTS TO PLAY, TRENT BROWN MISSES SECOND PRACTICE: FULL INJURY REPORT VS. JETS - The New England Patriots (4-12) and the New York Jets (6-10) have announced Thursday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 18 matchup.

While offensive tackle Trent Brown remains conspicuous by his absence due to illness, safety Jabrill Peppers — who has missed the Pats last two games with a hamstring injury — was back on the field on Thursday. The 28-year-old later revealed that he “expects to play” on Sunday while briefly meeting with reporters at his locker.

Cornerback Myles Bryant, who misses Wednesday’s session due to illness, returned to practice as a limited participant. 

Thursday’s Full Report:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-12)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OT Trent Brown, Illness

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Knee
TE Pharaoh Brown, Ribs
DB Myles Bryant, Illness
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
LB Anfernee Jennings, Knee
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
WR DeVante Parker, Ribs
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring
LB Jahlani Tavai, Tooth
CB Shaun Wade, Hip

NEW YORK JETS (6-10)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OL Jacob Hansen, Concussion
TE Jeremy Ruckert, Concussion
QB Zach Wilson, Concussion

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
QB Aaron Rodgers, Achilles
OL Wes Schweitzer, Calf

FULL PARTICIPATION
RB Israel Abanikanda, Ankle
DL John Franklin-Myers, Ankle
WR Allen Lazard, Illness


JAN. 3 PATRIOTS TRENT BROWN, MYLES BRYANT ABSENT FROM WEDNESDAY’S PRACTICE: PATS-JETS INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots (4-12) and the New York Jets (6-10) have announced Wednesday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 18 matchup.

New England had two notable absences on what was an abbreviated session on the practice fields adjacent to Gillette Stadium. Cornerback Myles Bryant, who was listed on the Pats Week 17 report with a chest injury, sat out on Wednesday due to an illness. Offensive lineman Trent Brown, who missed Sunday’s matchup as a healthy scratch, was also absent from the field also due to an illness.  

With only one game remaining, and abundant uncertainly surrounding his future with the team, could we be witnessing the end of the Trent Brown era in New England? The answer to that question will be provided in the coming weeks. 

From the Jets camp, quarterback Zach Wilson has yet to clear concussion protocol and is not expected to play on Sunday against the Pats. As such, journeyman reserve Trevor Siemian is likely to make the start in Week 18. 

Wednesday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-12)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OT Trent Brown, Illness
DB Myles Bryant, Illness

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Knee
TE Pharaoh Brown, Ribs
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
LB Anfernee Jennings, Knee
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
WR DeVante Parker, Ribs
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring
LB Jahlani Tavai, Tooth
CB Shaun Wade, Hip

NEW YORK JETS (6-10)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OL Jacob Hansen, Concussion
TE Jeremy Ruckert, Concussion
QB Zach Wilson, Concussion

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
QB Aaron Rodgers, Achilles
OL Wes Schweitzer, Calf

FULL PARTICIPATION
RB Israel Abanikanda, Ankle
DL John Franklin-Myers, Ankle
WR Allen Lazard, Illness


DEC. 31 PATRIOTS DECLARE SIX INACTIVES; BILLS LIST FIVE FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE MATCHUP -The New England Patriots (4-11) are set for their Week 17 matchup with the Buffalo Bills (9-6) at Highmark Stadium.

Tight end Hunter Henry will miss his second straight game due to a lingering knee injury. 

In addition to saftey Jabrill Peppers and receiver Kayshon Boutte — who were previously ruled out due to injury and illness respectively — the Pats will also be without the services of defensive end Sam Roberts (healthy inactive) and Trent Brown — who was removed from the injury report earlier this week. 

With just over an hour until kickoff at 1 p.m. ET, the Patriots and Bills have released their full lists of inactives:

PATRIOTS INACTIVES

S Jabrill Peppers

WR Kayshon Boutte

RB JaMycal Hasty

T Trent Brown

TE Hunter Henry

DE Sam Roberts

Nathan Rourke — 3rd Emergency Quarterback 

BILLS INACTIVES

S Damar Hamlin

CB Kaiir Elam

LB Von Miller

G Alec Anderson

T Linval Joseph


DEC. 30 PATRIOTS DOWNGRADE SAFETY JABRILL PEPPERS, RECEIVER KAYSHON BOUTTE TO OUT VS. BUFFALO BILLS - The New England Patriots will be without a key member of their secondary for their New Year’s Eve matchup in Western New York. 

Safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) and rookie receiver Kayshon Boutte (illness) have been downgraded to out for Sunday’s Week 17 game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium. 

Peppers, who also missed New England’s Week 16 victory over the Denver Broncos, had been a non-participant for two practices this week, while seeing only limited action during Friday’s session. The Michigan product has earned 76 total tackles, seven passes-defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble. In his absence, Jalen Mills is expected to start alongside Kyle Dugger — who was also listed as questionable with an illness on Friday’s report. The team also employs veteran Adrian Phillips.

Boutte had missed Thursday’s practice due to personal reasons. However, he was removed from Friday’s report, before being ruled out due to illness for the team’s penultimate game of the season. Boutte has logged only 2 receptions for 19 yards in three games played this season. The Pats also ruled veteran receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster out due to an ankle injury on Friday. 

While neither Boutte nor Peppers made the trip to Orchard Park, team captains Matthew Slater (hamstring) and Hunter Henry (knee) did travel with the team and have a chance to play on Sunday afternoon. 

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET.  


DEC. 29 PATRIOTS DECLARE JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER OUT, NINE QUESTIONABLE VS. BUFFALO BILLS: FULL INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots and the Buffalo Bills have announced the following player injuries, practice participation and game status for their Week 17 matchup at Highmark Stadium.

While receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster will miss his third straight game due to an ankle injury, four Patriots players returned to the practice fields on Friday: safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring,) Jalen Mills (concussion,) Kayshon Boutte (personal) and Ezekiel Elliott (illness.) Peppers has been listed as questionable for Week 17, while Mills, Boutte and Elliott were removed from the report. 

Safety Kyle Dugger joined Smith-Schuster as the only Patriots not to participate in the team’s final session before departing for Western New York on Saturday. Despite missing practice, Dugger is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game. 

Friday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-11)

OUT
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
DL Christian Barmore, Knee (LP)
DB Myles Bryant, Chest (LP)
S Kyle Dugger, Illness (DNP)
TE Hunter Henry, Knee (LP)
LB Anfernee Jennings, Knee (LP)
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee (LP)
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring (LP)
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring (LP)
CB Shaun Wade, Hip (LP)

NOTES: Tackle Tyrone Wheatley (knee) was a full participant in practice.

BUFFALO BILLS (9-6)

OUT
No Players Listed.

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
DE A.J. Epenesa, Rib (FP)
S Damar Hamlin, Shoulder (LP)
DT DaQuan Jones, Pectoral (FP)
WR Justin Shorter, Hamstring (FP)

*DNP - Did Not Participate

*LP - Limited Participation

*FP - Full Participation


DEC. 28 PATRIOTS RB EZEKIEL ELLIOTT AMONG FIVE TO MISS PRACTICE, FULL INJURY AND PRACTICE REPORT VS. BUFFALO BILLS - The New England (4-11) and the Buffalo Bills (9-6) have announced Thursday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 17 matchup.

Once again practicing inside the confines of the newly-renamed Waste Innovations Field House, the Pats were without the services of safeties Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) and Jalen Mills (concussion) for the day's session. Having missed each of New England's first two practices of Week 17, their respective status for Sunday's game remain in serious doubt -- as is the case for receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who continues to be sidelined with an ankle injury. 

The specter of illness continues to hang over the team, as well, with running back Ezekiel Elliott and left tackle Trent Brown sitting out Thursday's practice. While Elliott was not spotted on the field, Brown was only present as an observer during the media-access portion. 

Thursday's Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-11)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OT Trent Brown, Illness
RB Ezekiel Elliott, Illness
S Jalen Mills, Concussion
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Knee
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Knee
DB Myles Bryant, Chest
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
LB Anfernee Jennings, Knee
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring
CB Shaun Wade, Hip

FULL PARTICIPATION
T Tyrone Wheatley, Knee

BUFFALO BILLS (9-6)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
DE Shaq Lawson, Illness

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Terrel Bernard, Ankle
DE A.J. Epenesa, Rib
S Damar Hamlin, Shoulder
S Micah Hyde, Neck Stinger
RB Ty Johnson, Shoulder

FULL PARTICIPATION
LS Reid Ferguson, Right Thumb
DE Leonard Floyd, Wrist/Rib/Rest
DT DaQuan Jones, Pectoral
DB Cam Lewis, Thumb
Edge Von Miller, Vet Rest
WR Justin Shorter, Hamstring
LB Dorian Williams, Knee


DEC. 27 PATRIOTS OL TRENT BROWN, S JABRILL PEPPERS ABSENT, INJURY AND PRACTICE REPORT VS. BUFFALO BILLS — The New England Patriots (4-11) and the Buffalo Bills (9-6) have announced Wednesday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 17 matchup.

In addition to officially placing running back Rhamondre Stevenson on injured reserve due to an ankle injury — effectively ending his season — the Pats also had three notable absences for the day’s session, held indoors at the Socios.com Fieldhouse. 

Left tackle Trent Brown did not practice due to an illness, according to the team. In addition, defensive back Jalen Mills (concussion) and safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) were non-participants. Mills, however, was present and watched from the side. Initial indication are that he is “headed in the right direction” and optimistic for his status on Sunday — though his status has yet to be confirmed. 

Wednesday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-11)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OT Trent Brown, Illness
S Jalen Mills, Concussion
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Knee
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Knee
DB Myles Bryant, Chest
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
LB Anfernee Jennings, Illness
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle
CB Shaun Wade, Hip

FULL PARTICIPATION
T Tyrone Wheatley, Knee

BUFFALO BILLS (9-6)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
DE Leonard Floyd, Wrist/Rib/Rest
Edge Von Miller, Vet Rest

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Terrel Bernard, Ankle
DE A.J. Epenesa, Rib
S Damar Hamlin, Shoulder
S Micah Hyde, Neck Stinger
RB Ty Johnson, Shoulder

FULL PARTICIPATION
LS Reid Ferguson, Right Thumb
DT DaQuan Jones, Pectoral
DB Cam Lewis, Thumb
WR Justin Shorter, Hamstring
LB Dorian Williams, Knee


DEC. 24 PATRIOTS DECLARE SIX INACTIVES; BRONCOS LIST SEVEN FOR CHRISTMAS EVEN MATCHUP AT MILE HIGH -The New England Patriots (3-11) are set for their Week 16 matchup with the Denver Broncos (7-7) at Empower Field at Mile High.

In addition to saftey Jabrill Peppers, receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, running back Rhamondre Stevenson and tight end Hunter Henry — who were previously ruled out due to injuries, the Pats will also be without the services of defensive end Sam Roberts (healthy inactive) and special teams captain Matthew Slater, who has been battling a hamstring injury. 

With just over an hour until kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET, the Patriots and Broncos have released their full lists of inactives:

PATRIOTS INACTIVES

S Jabrill Peppers

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

RB Rhamondre Stevenson

TE Hunter Henry

ST Matthew Slater

DE Sam Roberts

Nathan Rourke — 3rd Emergency Quarterback 

BRONCOS INACTIVES

OLB Nik Bonitto

QB Ben DiNucci

S J.L. Skinner

TE Nate Adkins

LB Thomas Incoom

C Alex Forsyth

DE Elijah Garcia


PATRIOTS SIGN OL JAMES FERENTZ, ELEVATE MATT SOKOL FROM PRACTICE SQUAD - The New England Patriots have made a series of roster moves in advance of their Week 16 matchup with the Denver Broncos. 

After declaring offensive lineman Conor McDermott (concussion) out for Sunday night’s game, the Pats ultimately decided to place him on injure reserve, effectively ending his season. 

Taking McDermott’s place on the active roster is veteran James Ferentz, who signed with the Pats from their practice squad. During his tenure in New England, Ferentz has appeared in 39 games for the organization, including nine starts. In 2022, he appeared in 12 games, making three starts. He was charged will allowing four pressures and two sacks, while taking 269 of New England’s offensive snaps. Ferentz has not yet played a snap on offense this season for New England. 

In addition to signing Ferentz, the Pats have also elevated tight end Matt Sokol and cornerback Breon Borders from their practice squad.

New England is in need of help at tight end with top option Hunter Henry having been ruled out due to a knee injury. Sokol spent the 2022 season on the New England practice squad and played in three games after being elevated to the active roster. In addition to blocking in select packages, Sokol is also capable making plays in the passing game — including some impressive contested catches, and athletic, diving grabs — which may be beneficial to the Pats against the Broncos this week. 

The Pats are also quite thin at cornerback, leading to the elevation of Borders. The veteran corner has yet to be elevated this season. Borders has appeared in 32 games, starting six, during his NFL career — logging 42 tackles, one fumble recovery, one interception and seven pass deflections.

The Patriots and Broncos are set for an 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff at Empower Field at Mile High. 


DEC. 22 PATRIOTS WR JUJU SMITH-SCHUSTER OUT FOR CHRISTMAS EVE MATCHUP WITH DENVER BRONCOS; FULL INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots and the Denver Broncos have announced the following player injuries, practice participation and game status for their Week 16 matchup at Empower Field at Mile High. 

The Patriots adopted a festive theme for their final session, playing holiday music from the practice fields PA system. The team will depart for Denver on Saturday morning. 

As has been the case for the entirety of the week, running back Rhamondre Stevenson, offensive tackle Conor McDermott and safety Jabrill Peppers did not participate in Friday’s practice. While Peppers and Stevenson have been ruled out for Sunday night, McDermott is listed as questionable.

Perhaps the biggest surprise of the day was the absence of receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. Despite not having missed practice on either Wednesday or Thursday, Smith-Schuster has been battling an ankle injury which kept him from suiting up for the Pats Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, the injury will also sideline him on Christmas Eve. 

Tight end Hunter Henry (knee,) Anfernee Jennings (illness) and and Cody Davis (illness) were all spotted during practice, with Henry and Jennings listed as questionable. 

Friday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

OUT
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring (DNP)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle (DNP)
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder (LP)
Ja'Whaun Bentley, Knee (LP)
OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand (LP)
TE Hunter Henry, Knee (LP)
LB Anfernee Jennings, Illness (LP)
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee (LP)
OT Conor McDermott, Concussion (DNP)
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring (LP)
LB Jahlani Tavai, Ankle (LP)

NOTES: Cody Davis was removed from the list. T Tyron Wheatley (knee) was a full participant in practice.

DENVER BRONCOS

OUT
OLB Nik Bonitto, Knee (DNP)
TE Greg Dulcich, Hamstring / Foot (DNP)
T Alex Palczewski, Knee (FP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
No Players Listed.


DEC. 21 PATRIOTS JABRILL PEPPERS MISSES SECOND PRACTICE, HUNTER HENRY SITS OUT; STATUS VS. DENVER BRONCOS IN DOUBT? FULL INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots (3-11) and the Denver Broncos (7-7) have announced Wednesday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 16 matchup.

For the second straight day, safety Jabrill Peppers and tight end Hunter Henry did not participate in practice  — placing their respective status for Sunday’s game in doubt. While Henry was spotted during the media portion of the session, Pepper was not see on the field. 

In addition to Peppers and Henry, running back Rhamondre Stevenson continues to be sidelined due to an ankle injury, while offensive tackle Conor McDermott remains in concussion protocol. 

Thursday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
OT Conor McDermott, Concussion
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle

LB Anfernee Jennings, Illness

S Cody Davis  Illness

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Knee
OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle
LB Jahlani Tavai, Ankle

DENVER BRONCOS 

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OLB Nik Bonitto, Knee
TE Greg Dulcich, Hamstring / Foot
RB Samaje Perine, Not Injury Related / Rest

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
OLB Jonathon Cooper, Ankle
T Alex Palczewski, Knee


DEC.20 PATRIOTS HUNTER HENRY, JABRILL PEPPERS MISS PRACTICE; INJURY REPORT VS. DENVER BRONCOS - The New England Patriots (3-11) and the Denver Broncos (7-7) have announced Wednesday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 16 matchup.

While running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) was expectedly missing from practice, the absence of both tight end Hunter Henry (knee) and saftey Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) are worthy of significant attention. 

Henry is the Pats leader in touchdown receptions (six) and second only to rookie Demario Douglas in receiving yards — with Henry logging 419 to Douglas’ 443. The Pats team captain left the team’s Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs with a knee injury and did not return. 

Conversely, Peppers played all 65 snaps on defense against the defending Super Bowl champions, making his appearance on the list something to monitor over the next few days. Peppers has been the one of the Patriots top defenders this season.  

The Pats and the Broncos are set for a 8:15 p.m. ET kickoff on Sunday night from Empower Field at Mile High.

Wednesday’s full report:  

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
OT Conor McDermott, Concussion
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder
Ja'Whaun Bentley, Knee
OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
SpT Matthew Slater, Hamstring
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle
LB Jahlani Tavai, Ankle

DENVER BRONCOS (7-7)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OLB Nik Bonitto, Knee
TE Greg Dulcich, Hamstring / Foot
RB Samaje Perine, Not Injury Related / Rest

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
OLB Jonathon Cooper, Ankle
T Alex Palczewski, Knee


DEC. 18 PATRIOTS PLACE OL COLE STRANGE ON SEASON-ENDING INJURED RESERVE - The New England Patriots have placed offensive tackle Cole Strange on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in the team’s 27-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium on Sunday.

Strange incurred the injury with just under 11 minutes to play in the second quarter. Pats quarterback Bailey Zappe completed a six-yard touchdown pass to tight end Hunter Henry. Prior to the play’s completion, starting left guard Cole Strange suffered what appeared to be a serious lower leg injury. Strange was removed from the field via cart, amid a circle of his teammates kneeling around him on the Gillette Stadium field. While Zappe would connect with later with Henry for a 16-yard touchdown strike, Strange was promptly ruled out for the remainder of the game. 

Strange was selected by the Patriots in the first round (29th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. He was named the team’s starting left guard out of training camp and started all 17 games for the Pats as a rookie. 

However, he suffered from both leg and knee injuries for the better part of the season, limiting him to nine games played entering Week 15. 

Rookie guard Atonio Mafi, who took Strange’s place after his exit on Sunday, is expected to start New England’s remaining three games at the position. Strange’s spot on New England’s 53-man roster will be occupied by newly-signed quarterback Nathan Rourke


DEC. 17 PATRIOTS DECLARE SIX INACTIVES INCLUDING SEVEN FOR WEEK 15 GAME AGAINST KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - The New England Patriots (3-10) are set for their Week 15 matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) at Gillette Stadium.

The Pats will be be be without the services of receivers Kayshon Boutte and JuJu Smith-Schuster and starting left tackle Trent Brown. 

With just over an hour until kickoff at 1 p.m. ET, the Patriots and Chiefs have released their full lists of inactives:

PATRIOTS INACTIVES:

RB Rhamondre Stevenson

WR Kayshon Boutte

T Trent Brown

DE Sam Roberts

CB Shaun Wade

WR JuJu Smith-Schuster

CHIEFS INACTIVES:

RB Isiah Pacheco

OL Donovan Smith

CB Joshua Williams

DE B.J. Thompson

DT Neil Farrell

DT Matt Dickerson

DE Malik Herring


DEC. 16 PATRIOTS ADD PHAROAH BROWN TO INJURY REPORT, ELEVATE KEVIN HARRIS - The New England Patriots have added tight end Pharaoh Brown to their Week 15 injury report, officially listing the 29-year-old as questionable for the Pats matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at Gillette Stadium 

Since being signed to the Pats 53-man roster, Brown has been one of the top situational big-play threats in the NFL. In 13 games for the Patriots this season, Brown has compiled 174 receiving yards on eight catches (averaging 21.8 yards-per-reception) and one touchdown. The Oregon product was expected to play a notable role as a blocker, while acting as a third option in the passing game as a tight end, behind Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki. As Brown had not been listed on the report at any previous point in the week, the severity of his injury remains unclear. 

So let it be written, so let it be done ... just hopefully, not out. 

Kevin Harris Elevated from Practice Squad

With Rhamondre Stevenson having already been ruled out due to an ankle injury, Harris will get his second call-up from the scout team. He was also elevated to the game day roster for the Pats' Week 14 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers but did not play any snaps on offense. When given the chance, Harris has shown an ability to contribute on early downs, as well as on goal-line stands. At 5-10, 221 pounds, Harris is the type of straightforward power runner with the size to provide some short-yardage production. He should be a solid rotational option in the Patriots backfield behind starter Ezekiel Elliott and veteran reserve JaMycal Hasty. 


DEC. 15 PATRIOTS RULE OUT RHAMONDRE STEVENSON, CHRISTIAN BARMORE QUESTIONABLE FOR MATCHUP WITH KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: FULL INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots and the Kansas City Chiefs have announced the following player injuries and practice participation for their Week 15 matchup on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. 

While running back Rhamondre Stevenson was expect to miss Sunday’s game due to an ankle injury, the Pats also listed seven players as questionable. Perhaps the most notable among those potential inactives is defensive tackle Christian Barmore, who missed Friday’s practice with a shoulder injury. Barmore has been one of New England’s top defenders this season. His loss would place a great deal of pressure on the Pats interior line. 

Friday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-10)

OUT
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder (DNP)
LB Ja'Whaun Bentley, Knee (LP)
OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand/Illness (DNP)
WR DeVante Parker, Knee (LP)
SpT Matthew Slater, Groin (LP)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster (LP)
WR Tyquan Thornton (LP)

REMOVED FROM LIST: WR Kayshon Boutte, WR Demario Douglas, DB Brenden Schooler, OL Tyrone Wheatley (FP)

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (8-5)

OUT
RB Isiah Pacheco, Shoulder (DNP)
OL Donovan Smith, Neck (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
WR Justyn Ross, Not Injury Related (return from suspension) (FP)

QUESTIONABLE
No Players Listed

*DNP - Did Not Participate

*LP - Limited Participation

*FP - Full Participation


DEC. 15 KANSAS CITY CHIEFS RULE OUT RB ISIAH PACHECO FOR WEEK 15 GAME AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS - The defending Super Bowl champions will be without the services of their top running back for their Week 15 matchup with the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium 

Isiah Pacheco, per a Friday afternoon ESPN report, has been ruled out due to a lingering shoulder injury. Pacheco missed his third practice of the week, and sixth straight overall, on Friday. Despite playing all four quarters against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13, the running back has been held off the practice field entirely since returning from Kansas City’s away game in Wisconsin.

Beyond Pacheco, the Chiefs have veterans Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jerick McKinnon on their depth chart to battle the Pats third-ranked run defense, allowing only an average of 88.2 yards per game on the ground. 

Both New England and Kansas City will confirm the remainder of their respective injury reports on Friday evening. 


DEC. 14 PATRIOTS, CHIEFS PRACTICE REPORT, TRENT BROWN OUT; ISAIH PACHECO OUT FOR KC? - The New England Patriots (3-10) and the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) have each announced player injuries and practice participation in anticipation for their Week 15 matchup. 

In addition to running back Rhamondre Stevenson — who continues to remain absent from the field due to an ankle injury — offensive tackle Trent Brown was not spotted during practice. Brown was listed as a limited participant on Wednesday with both hand and ankle injuries. His status on Friday will be worth monitoring, as New England might be facing the possibility of heading into Week 15 without their top offensive lineman. 

Special teamer Brendan Schooler was also absent from practice due to an illness, while newly-activated offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. was listed as a full participant.     

For the Chiefs, running back Isiah Pacheco missed his second practice of the week, and fifth straight overall, with a shoulder injury. Despite playing all four quarters against the Green Bay Packers in Week 13, the running back has been held off the practice field entirely since returning from Kansas City’s away game in Wisconsin. As such, his status for Sunday is very much in doubt. 

The Pats and the defending Super Bowl champions are set for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday from Gillette Stadium. Here is a look at Thursday’s full report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand/Illness
DB Brenden Schooler, Illness
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder
WR Kayshon Boutte, Shoulder
OT Trent Brown, Ankle / Hand
WR Demario Douglas, Concussion
WR DeVante Parker, Knee
SpT Matthew Slater, Not Injury Related - Rest
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle
WR Tyquan Thornton, Hamstring

FULL PARTICIPATION
OL Tyrone Wheatley, Knee

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
RB Isiah Pacheco, Shoulder
OL Donovan Smith, Neck
S Mike Edwards, Illness

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Nick Bolton, Wrist / Abdomen

FULL PARTICIPATION
LB Leo Chenal, Illness
S Justin Reid, Knee
RB Jerick McKinnon, Groin
CB L'Jarius Sneed, Knee
WR Kadarius Toney, Hip
LB Drue Tranquill, Concussion
WR Justyn Ross, Not Injury Related (return from suspension)


DEC. 14 PATRIOTS DESIGNATE OT TYRONE WHEATLEY JR. TO RETURN FROM INJURED RESERVE - The New England Patriots are close to getting back offensive tackle Tyrone Wheatley Jr., as the organization announced Thursday that Wheatley Jr. has been designated to return from injured reserve.

Wheatley Jr. was placed on injured reserve with a knee injury prior to New England's Week 6 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders; he was credited with appearances in the Patriots' first two games but didn't play in the three contests that preceded his injury.

New England acquired Wheatley Jr. via trade from the Cleveland Browns on Aug. 27, a deal in which the Patriots dealt running back Pierre Strong Jr. to Cleveland.

Wheatley Jr. returned to practice Wednesday, and the Patriots have until Jan. 3 to elevate him to the active roster.

DEC. 13 PATRIOTS WR DEMARIO DOUGLAS RETURNS TO PRACTICE, FULL INJURY REPORT VS. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS - The New England Patriots (3-10) and the Kansas City Chiefs (8-5) have announced Wednesday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 15 matchup.

The Pats and the defending Super Bowl champions are set for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday from Gillette Stadium. 

As the rumors surrounding Bill Belichick’s future as Patriots head coach continue to pop up like bubbles in a case of club soda, the Pats welcomed back rookie receiver Demario Douglas, who had been in concussion protocol since the Pats Week 13 loss to the New York Giants. Douglas was listed as __ for Wednesday’s session. Also, Pats reserve offensive lineman Tyrone Wheatley was back at practice, signifying his potential return from injured reserve. 

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) was expectedly absent from practice, as was scout team defensive tackle Trysten Hill.

Wednesday’s Full Report:

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder
WR Kayshon Boutte, Shoulder
OT Trent Brown, Ankle / Hand
WR Demario Douglas, Concussion
WR DeVante Parker, Knee
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
RB Isiah Pacheco, Shoulder
OL Donovan Smith, Neck
LB Leo Chenal, Illness
S Mike Edwards, Illness

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Nick Bolton, Wrist / Abdomen

FULL PARTICIPATION
S Justin Reid, Knee
RB Jerick McKinnon, Groin
CB L'Jarius Sneed, Knee
WR Kadarius Toney, Hip
LB Drue Tranquill, Concussion
WR Justyn Ross, Not Injury Related (return from suspension)


DEC. 7 PATRIOTS DECLARE SEVEN INACTIVES INCLUDING DEVANTE PARKER FOR WEEK 14 GAME AGAINST PITTSBURGH STEELERS - The New England Patriots (2-10) are set for their Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) at Acrisure Stadium.

The Pats will be be be without the services of three receivers for this contest: Demario Douglas (concussion), Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) and DeVante Parker — as a surprise scratch with a knee injury. 

With just over an hour until kickoff at 8:15 p.m. ET, the Patriots and Steelers have released their full lists of inactives:

PATRIOTS INACTIVES:

WR Demario Douglas

WR Kayshon Boutte

RB Rhamondre Stevenson

CB Shaun Wade

RB JaMycal Hasty

WR DeVante Parker

T Vederian Lowe

STEELERS INACTIVES:

QB Kenny Pickett

S James Pierre

RB Anthony McFarland

OLB Markus Golden

T  Dylan Cook

DE Demarvin Leal


DEC. 6 PATRIOTS RULE OUT DEMARIO DOUGLAS, KAYSHON BOUTTE FOR THURSDAY NIGHT MATCHUP WITH PITTSBURGH STEELERS: FULL INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers announce the following player injuries and practice participation.

While running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and Riley Reiff (season-ending injured reserve, knee) had essentially been confirmed to miss Thursday night’s matchup at Acrisure Stadium, New England added rookie receivers Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) and Demario Douglas (concussion) to the list of inactive players. Cornerback Shaun Wade will also miss the contest with an illness. 

Wednesday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-10)

OUT
WR Kayshon Boutte, Shoulder (LP)
WR Demario Douglas, Concussion (DNP)
OL Riley Reiff, Knee (LP)
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle (DNP)
CB Shaun Wade, Illness (LP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder (LP)
OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand (LP)
WR DeVante Parker, Knee (LP)
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle (LP)

REMOVED FROM LIST: LB Chris Board

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (7-5)

OUT
QB Kenny Pickett, Ankle (DNP)
S James Pierre, Shoulder (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
RB Najee Harris, Knee (DNP)
C Mason Cole, Neck (LP)
LB Elandon Roberts, Groin (LP)
G Isaac Seumalo, Shoulder (DNP)

*DNP - Did Not Participate

*LP - Limited Participation

*FP - Full Participation


DEC. 6 PATRIOTS OL RILEY REIFF WILL REVERT TO INJURED RESERVE, SEASON OVER — The New England Patriots struggling offensive line will be without the services of a key veteran for the remainder of the season. 

Patriots coach Bill Belichick confirmed on Wednesday that offensive tackle Riley Reiff will not be added to the team’s 53-man roster, and will revert to injured reserve, thus ending his season.  

Reiff’s 21-day widndow for activation from a knee injury was opened on Nov. 15. However, Belichick acknowledged that three unfortunate injuries ultimately led to the decision to have him remain on injured reserve. Reiff played in just one game this season, logging only 45 snaps on offense.  

As he entered his 12th season in the NFL, Reiff and the Patriots agreed to a $5 million contract with $4.15 million guaranteed shortly after the start of the league year in March. Though he faced some notable competition at the position, a financial investment of that size clearly set the expectation of not only of his earning a roster spot, but also a starting spot at tackle. 

Despite spending much of training camp aligning at either right or left tackle, Reiff was essentially sidelined since the start of the second quarter of New England’s preseason finale against the Tennessee Titans. Facing a third-and-1 at the Titans 29, Reiff appeared to get his right knee rolled up while attempting to make a block for running back Kevin Harris. The injury forced him to short-term injured reserve for the first four games of the season. Despite being activated in October, a seperate knee ailment would force him back to the injured list for the remainder of the season. 

New England, in turn, will travel to the Steel City on Wednesday afternoon in anticipation of their Week 14 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers at 8:15 p.m. on Thursday night from Acrisure Stadium. 


DEC. 5 PATRIOTS DOUGLAS, STEVENSON MISS PRACTICE, STATUS VS. STEELERS IN DOUBT - The New England Patriots (2-10) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-5) have announce Tuesday’s player injuries and practice participation for their Week 14 matchup on Thursday night. 

The Pats and Steelers are set for an 8:15 p.m. kickoff from Acrisure Stadium. 

In addition to receiver Demario Douglas, who remains in concussion protocol, running back Rhamondre Stevenson was also not spotted among Tuesday’s participants, after having suffered a high ankle sprain in Sunday’s 6-0 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Afree missing Sunday’s game, receiver Kayshon Boutte (shoulder) and defensive end Deatrich Wise, Jr. (illness) were present. 

Tuesday’s full report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-10)

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
WR Demario Douglas, Concussion
RB Rhamondre Stevenson, Ankle

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Shoulder
LB Chris Board, Back
WR Kayshon Boutte, Shoulder
OT Trent Brown, Ankle/Hand
WR DeVante Parker, Knee
OL Riley Reiff, Knee
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle

REMOVED FROM LIST: Ezekiel Elliott, Sidy Sow, Shaun Wade and Deatrich Wise Jr.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (7-5)

Monday's report is an estimation, as the Steelers held a walk-thru.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE
QB Kenny Pickett, Ankle
RB Najee Harris, Knee
S James Pierre, Shoulder

LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DT Keeanu Benton, Oblique
C Mason Cole, Neck
LB Elandon Roberts, Groin
DT Cam Heyward, Not Injury Related - Resting Player / Groin
G Isaac Seumalo, Shoulder

FULL PARTICIPATION
S Minkah Fitzpatrick, Hand
DT Montravious Adams Sr., Ankle


DEC. 3 PATRIOTS RHAMONDRE STEVENSON LEAVES GAME WITH LEG INJURY VS. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS - The New England Patriots may be without the services of their top offensive threat for the foreseeable future of their Week 13 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Running back Rhamondre Stevenson suffered a lower leg injury while attempting to secure a first down on second-and 5 at the Chargers 31 yard-line with 4:25 left in the first quarter.

Stevenson fumbled the ball into the hands of Bolts’ defender Tuli Tuipuloto. However, Stevenson was slow to get to his feet and eventually had to be helped from the field by Patriots trainers. He was taken to the locker room for immediate evaluation and is questionable to return, per the team.

Losing a key weapon is the last thing a struggling Patriots' offense needs, obviously. New England is now without its starting supposed quarterback (Mac Jones), leading receiver (Kendrick Bourne) and leading rusher (Stevenson).


DEC. 3 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS FULL WEEK 13 INACTIVES LIST - The New England Patriots (2-9) are set for their Week 13 matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) at Gillette Stadium.

Despite dealing with a thigh injury for the majority of the week, running back Ezekiel Elliott is active and will play today against the Chargers. As expected, the Pats will be without the services of rookie receivers Demario Douglas (concussion) and Kayshon Boutte (illness, shoulder) for the game.

For the Bolts, receiver Keenan Allen is active and will play, despite missing two practices during the week due to a quad injury.

With just over an hour until kickoff at 1 p.m. ET, the Patriots and Chargers have released their full lists of inactives:

PATRIOTS INACTIVES:

WR Demario Douglas

WR Kayshon Boutte

CB Alex Austin

Y Vederian Lowe

DE Deatrich Wise, Jr. 

RB Jamycal Hasty

CHARGERS INACTIVES:

G/T Zack Bailey

DB Ja'Sir Taylor 

TE Nick Vannett 

WR Simi Fehoko

RB Isaiah Spiller

DT Scott Matlock


DEC. 1 PATRIOTS DEMARIO DOUGLAS, KAYSHON BOUTTE OUT VS. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: FULL INJURY REPORT - The New England Patriots (2-9) and the Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) have announced the following player injuries and practice participation for their final practice session of Week 13. 

The Pats and Bolts are set for a 1 p.m. kickoff on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. As expected, the Pats will be without the services of rookie receivers Demario Douglas (concussion) and Kayshon Boutte (illness, shoulder) for the game. 

The Patriots additionally listed six players as questionable — including starting left tackle Trent Brown (ankle/chest) and guard Sidy Sow (ankle) who were limited during Friday’s practice. 

Friday’s Full Report: 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-9)

OUT
WR Kayshon Boutte, Shoulder / Illness (DNP)
WR Demario Douglas, Concussion (DNP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
LB Chris Board, Back (LP)
OT Trent Brown, Ankle / Chest (LP)
RB Ezekiel Elliott, Thigh (LP)
OL Riley Reiff, Knee (LP)
G Sidy Sow, Ankle (LP)
DL Deatrich Wise Jr., Shoulder (LP)

NOTE: C David Andrews (foot), LB Ja'Whaun Bentley (hamstring) and SpT Matthew Slater (ankle) all were full participants in Friday's practice.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (4-7)

OUT
G/T Zack Bailey, Back (DNP)
DB Ja'Sir Taylor, Illness (DNP)
TE Nick Vannett, Concussion (DNP)
S JT Woods, Illness (LP)

DOUBTFUL
No Players Listed.

QUESTIONABLE
WR Keenan Allen, Quadricep (LP)
T Trey Pipkins III, Wrist (LP)

*DNP - Did Not Participate

*LP - Limited Participation

*FP - Full Participation



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