Who Powered Through

Banta-Cain Returns to Practice, Patriots Getting Healthier

by Greg Knopping on Dec 30, 2010 5:17 PM EST in Who Powered Through

The Patriots received a boost at outside linebacker today at practice, with veteran Tully-Banta Cain returning for the first time since sustaining a groin injury last week. With Banta-Cain back, only Dan Connolly, Mike Wright, and Ron Brace were held out.

I wouldn't expect any of those three to play this week, although, on the bright side, Brace's injury is listed as an elbow injury rather than with the concussion he had last week. Yesterday, the Patriots saw the likes of Jermaine Cunningham, Myron Pryor, and Aaron Hernandez all return to practice, which is definitely a positive sign for the team.

Obviously, there's no guaranteeing that the banged-up players will play on Sunday against the Dolphins. Players that are game-time decisions are more unlikely to push themselves into action, as the Patriots are playing a game with no seeding implications. Still, the fact that key players such as Banta-Cain, Pryor, Hernandez, and Cunningham are closer to returning is obviously great news for the team.

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Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers Ruled Out Tomorrow

by Greg Knopping on Dec 18, 2010 12:58 PM EST in Who Powered Through

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers will be out Sunday against the New England Patriots.

Things just got a hell of a lot easier for the New England Patriots tomorrow. Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been ruled out for tomorrow's game against the New England Patriots, Pro Football Talk reports:

Aaron Rodgers felt good enough to make some jokes in the Packers locker room on Friday, but he's not ready to play football again.

The Packers ruled Rodgers out on Saturday after the medical staff did not clear him for the game. Rodgers is expected to still make the trip to New England, but Graham Harrell was activated off the team's practice squad. Harrell will back up Matt Flynn on Sunday.

Rodgers is expected to be on the sideline to help Flynn during the game. The team placed safety Anthony Smith on injured reserve to clear roster space for Harrell.

While, on paper, this news is excellent news for Patriots fans, the football fan in me really wanted to see a Rodgers-Brady duel on Sunday Night Football. Without Rodgers and without a reliable running game (24th in the league), the Patriots defense, which has allowed just 10 points over the last 9+ quarters, should have an easier time.

While Matt Flynn is probably an above average backup quarterback, he will not be able to do some of the things that Rodgers can do, in terms of mobility, and making something out of nothing. While Flynn was a decent game manager against the Lions last week (throwing just one interception and completing 57% of his passes, although scoring just three points), the Packers offense will be a lot more conservative. This certainly should work in the Patriots favor.

For the Packers, it will now likely be up to the team's top-ranked scoring defense to keep their team in the game.

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Patriots Inactives Against Bears

by Greg Knopping on Dec 12, 2010 3:00 PM EST in Who Powered Through

The Patriots inactives for today are as follows:

Analysis of the inactives after the jump!

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Tom Brady Will Play Tomorrow

by Greg Knopping on Nov 24, 2010 7:23 PM EST in Who Powered Through

If you're even a casual Patriots fan, you wouldn't doubt for even a second that Patriots quarterback Tom Brady won't play tomorrow. Yes, he's listed as questionable. And yes, he will play tomorrow.

I only bring this up because, while watching ESPN today (shoot me), I saw the headline (Brady to Sit?). Really? If there's any player that will play through the pain, it's Tom Brady.

Last year, Brady played through cracked ribs and broken finger on his throwing hand. He's played the last two weeks through a sprained foot. Of course, it's got to be soar. But lets be real, this is Tom Brady. If Brady went through surgery to remove his throwing arm, he would still be begging to get out there.

That's not to say it's not a situation to watch: it is. Brady missed practice and on a short week that could certainly have its affects. However, with a 10+ day break until the Jets game next Monday, don't expect Brady to not suit up tomorrow, despite what his injury report designation may be, and what the media may be saying.

Players that look unlikely to play include Mike Wright (concussion), Jonathan Wilhite (hip), and Stephen Neal (shoulder). All are listed as questionable and should be gametime decisions. Other players listed as questionable include Jarrad Page, Fred Taylor, and Myron Pryor.

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