Patriots Injury Report: Haynesworth, Hernandez, Wright Return

by Greg Knopping on Oct 6, 2011 5:01 PM EDT in New England Patriots News

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 18: Tightend Aaron Hernandez #81 of the New England Patriots warms up just prior to the start of the preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 18, 2011 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

The Patriots received a major boost at practice this afternoon, as injured defensive linemen Albert Haynesworth and Mike Wright both returned to practice, along with tight end Aaron Hernandez.

Hernandez, in his second year, caught 14 passes in the first two games of the year before going down with a knee injury. He has missed the last two games against the Bills and the Raiders. There's no question that the Patriots offense is a lot more dynamic with Hernandez is the line-up as he is simply a match-up nightmare. If Hernandez is able to return against the Jets, it will be a real win for the Patriots.

The Patriots will also be happy to see both Albert Haynesworth and Mike Wright return to practice. Wright played in the season opener, recorded half a sack, and then went down with a concussion. The injury was especially scary considering Wright had missed the majority of the second half of 2010 with a head/neck injury. Having Wright back can only improve the Patriots pass rush.

Having Albert Haynesworth back in action would also be a big boost for the Patriots, who have been without the mammoth defensive tackle the past two weeks. Haynesworth got off to a bit of a sluggish start to this year due to some nagging injuries / health issues. If he can finally get healthy, he could be a real force as we saw in the preseason.

Of course, all three of these players were listed as having "Limited" participation so there's no word whether or not they will suit up on Sunday against the Jets. Either way, it looks like the Patriots could get all three of these guys back soon, which is great news for the team.

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I think I speak for a lot of Pats fans when I say, "Thank goodness!"

We need these guys healthy and back on the field!

NBA Officiating - Corrupt? Incompetent? Which is worse? Does it matter? It sucks.

by mmmmm on Oct 6, 2011 5:22 PM EDT reply actions

Man I'm a concerned about Wright

He just seems like he can’t stay on the field and it’s been the same injury, concussions. As a D-lineman he is going to continue to have head to head collisions with O-lineman so the chances of him getting another one is very high. I hope he can stay healthy and last til the playoffs it just doesnt seem smart to play now .

Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)

by Chris Kole on Oct 6, 2011 6:01 PM EDT reply actions

I agree. His life is far more valuable.

by Patriots12 on Oct 6, 2011 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

I almost don't want Wright back

When thinking about how badly screwed up his life could end up being with all of these concussions. You hear all these stories about former NFL players going insane in their 40s/50s because of all of the collisions their brains had to put up with, and it’s obvious Wright has a good chance of being right there with them, and no matter how much entertainment someone might bring, I’d never wish for them to have to put up with that the rest of their lives.

by indy pats fan on Oct 6, 2011 8:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Gotta agree

I hope that he, and the Pat’s medical and coaching staffs, are thinking about this guys future beyond football.

by NE Habs Fan on Oct 7, 2011 7:59 AM EDT up reply actions

While I understand the concern...

I don’t think Wright’s situation can be compared to some of the older players who have experienced so many problems after retirement. Back in the old days, concussions were called “getting your bell rung” and often these guys would be back in the game after a play or two, if they even came out at all. There is much better understanding of concussions and their consequences in the NFL today, and the Patriots’ medical staff has clearly taken a cautious approach with Wright. If they did not feel it was safe for him to play, he would not be allowed back out there.

Wright has been treated by some very good doctors, and he is getting good care from people who have both his health and his future very much in mind.

"If you know how to cheat, start now." - Earl Weaver

by rebop on Oct 7, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Well I hope so.

I don’t wanna see another Ted Johnson. I mean the guy hasn’t even reached 40 and he is in a battle with his mind.

Taylor Price will be the starter by the end of the season (Said before Training Camp)

by Chris Kole on Oct 7, 2011 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Was lsat year's "head/neck" injury definitely a concussion?

If so, I’m surprised doctors are clearing him so quickly after a subsequent concussion.

by nbradley07 on Oct 7, 2011 9:08 AM EDT up reply actions

Love to see them, all of them out there

but we won’t know for sure until Sunday. This could just be gamesmanship, just as the Jets said Mangold was going to play against Oakland, than against the Raiders. I do actually think he plays this week, and we’ll see what percentage he is at.
If I had to pick one, I’d go with Hernandez, because the Jets D poses a good challenge this week.

by furiousd on Oct 6, 2011 6:46 PM EDT reply actions

It would be a mistake to put Mangold out there at less than 100%, I think.

Imagine trying to stop Wilfork and Haynesworth on a bad knee? They would be better off playing someone that’s fully healthy.

by nbradley07 on Oct 7, 2011 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions

I think you're right

but the Jets are 2-2, and if they lose this game they’re seriously on the outside looking in for the division. Rex might be desperate enough to play Mangold in the hopes that him at 75% is better than a healthy Colin Baxter (which might be true).

If it were one of our guys I’d be seriously concerned about re-injuring the knee and endangering his season.

Deep in enemy territory

by JeffyB on Oct 7, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions

IMO

Hernando = In, simply because he is one of our big guns and we’ll be needing all of our big guns for the Jets
Haynesworth = Maybe, because having him in seems like more of a bonus then a necessity. We did fine without him and we don’t know how we’ll do with him.
Wright = Maybe/Out, due to his history.

Oh my god a floor zombie! Oh wait, thats you
- Toby Turner

by New Century Silver on Oct 7, 2011 2:27 AM EDT reply actions