Injury Report (Friday): Patriots @ Giants (Week 17)

by tommasse on Dec 28, 2007 8:12 PM EST in New England Patriots News

Neal, Kaczur, K. Brady All Out
Neither Team Practiced Friday

The New England Patriots have downgraded offensive linemen Stephen Neal and Nick Kaczur for Saturday's season finale against the New York Giants just several hours after releasing their final injury report.

Tight end Kyle Brady, running back Kyle Eckel and defensive back and special teamer Willie Andrews were also ruled out of tomorrow night's action.

The elimination of Neal, Kaczur and Brady are of serious concern to the Patriots who will be short-handed against one of the league's better pass-rush defenses. Last week, New England compensated for missing Brady and tight end Ben Watson by using additional linemen. Watson is listed as questionable, as is lineman Billy Yates.

The Patriots filled their empty roster spot with cornerback Antwain Spann.

New York rookie running back Ahmad Bradshaw is questionable, while wide receiver Plaxico Burress and RB Brandon Jacobs are probable. Receiver Sinorice Moss and cornerback Kevin Dockery are listed as doubtful.

New England held a walk-through Wednesday and neither team practiced today. That means the Patriots had just one full practice this week. The Patriots traveled to New Jersey today.

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Comments

It is slightly concerning to be missing

so many offensive linemen.

by scsatr on Dec 28, 2007 8:39 PM EST reply actions

Look for

The Giants to do a lot of pass rush packages that target the right side of the line. With both Neal and Kaczur out, it will be a totally different right side of the line. My guess is they are trying to get those 2 ready for the playoffs, and will put Spann in to block ont he right side, as well as have Maroney or Faulk do most of the chipping to the right side.

Out of Curiousity who is the strong side outside linebacker for the Giants? Is it Osi?

by Ogor on Dec 28, 2007 8:53 PM EST reply actions

Spann is CB, not lineman .. no, not Osi

Osi Umenyiora is a defensive end. While he would naturally line up opposite Matt Light, I would be surprised to see him move around on the line a bit.

The Giants' linebackers are Reggie Torbor and Kawika Mitchell. I'm sure they'll move around too, so each will line up as strong-side or weak-side, but I don't know them well.

Spann is a cornerback. You must have been thinking of someone else.

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by tommasse on Dec 28, 2007 11:24 PM EST up reply actions