The good news of the day is obviously that tight end Rob Gronkowski has been cleared by all doctors and can return to the field for the New England Patriots. This comes eight days after there was reportedly "serious concern" regarding the stability of his forearm. Apparently just one week fixes everything.
But Gronkowski is still questionable after being limited in practice throughout the week, which means there is a 50 percent chance he misses Sunday's tilt against the New York Jets. It's obvious that if he plays, he'll take the Tom Brady and the efficiency of the Patriots offense to another level.
Unfortunately, the Patriots won't be at full strength, since wide receiver Danny Amendola will miss the game with a concussion. This is his fourth missed game of the season, after missing three weeks due to a groin injury. Wide receiver Julian Edelman (thigh) and running back Brandon Bolden (knee) were both listed as questionable. Edelman, along with receiver Austin Collie, are most likely to fill Amendola's role, though we could see the offensive philosophy shift with Gronkowski back in the fold.
Interestingly, offensive tackle Nate Solder was added to the injury report after being limited in practice on Friday with a back injury. He is listed as probable for Sunday's game. Solder has struggled as of late, so it's possible that this could be the reason behind his problems on the field. Against the New York Jets' up-and-coming defensive line, it's important that Solder is at full strength. Either way, despite the amount of injuries on offense, it doesn't come close to matching the hits the defense has taken.
Tommy Kelly will miss his second game in a row with a knee injury. He didn't participate in practice throughout the week, which means he could miss next week's game against the Miami Dolphins, too. With captain Vince Wilfork out for the season, the interior defensive line could be an area that the Jets attack.
Fortunately, Aqib Talib practiced today, but he is still listed as doubtful. If there is any week for Talib to miss, it would be this one. The New York Jets lack talent at wide receiver, so it would serve him well to recover from his hip injury and prepare for the Dolphins, as Richard Hill discussed in this article posted today.
For the New York Jets, only wide receivers Santonio Holmes (foot/hamstring) and Greg Salas (knee) are listed as out. Every other player is listed as probable, including linebacker Quinton Coples (ankle), and cornerbacks Antonio Cromartie (hip/knee), Dee Milliner (hamstring), and Kyle Wilson (concussion). On the offensive side, running backs Chris Ivory (hamstring) and Bilal Powell (neck) are both expected to play.
Here is this week's full injury report for the New England Patriots:
Name | Position | Injury | Status |
Danny Amendola | WR | Concussion/Groin | OUT |
Tommy Kelly | DT | Knee | OUT |
Leon Washington | RB | Ankle | OUT |
Aqib Talib | CB | Hip | Doubtful |
Brandon Bolden | RB | Knee | Questionable |
Marcus Cannon | OL | Shoulder | Questionable |
Dan Connolly | G | Concussion | Questionable |
Julian Edelman | WR | Thigh | Questionable |
Rob Gronkowski | TE | Back/Forearm | Questionable |
Michael Hoomanawanui | TE | Knee | Questionable |
Matthew Slater | WR | Wrist | Questionable |
Tavon Wilson | DB | Hamstring | Questionable |
Kyle Arrington | CB | Groin | Probable |
Devin McCourty | CB | Shoulder | Probable |
Rob Ninkovich | LB | Groin | Probable |
Nate Solder | OT | Back | Probable |