Injury Dilemma Gets Deeper
Battered Pats Face Physical Opponent
If you were hoping the New England Patriots would get through their blowout win over Houston unscathed, your wish went unanswered.
Post-game rumors have been confirmed in this week's injury report, as running back Kevin Faulk, who was reported to be "limping severely" in the locker room after the Texans game, is listed as "questionable" with a knee injury.
Fellow backfielder, rookie running back Laurence Maroney, is also still listed as "questionable" with a back problem. That could leave New England ridiculously depleted at running back. And with the Patriots heading to Jacksonville to face a very physical Jaguars defense and with Corey Dillon as your only reliable full-time running back, that's dire news.
The question to ask is this: Do you play Maroney and Faulk now at risk of losing them for the playoffs? The facing edge of that sword is: Do you risk getting Dillon hurt by asking him to solely shoulder the load? And if you want a point to that blade: Do you pass the ball all game and put Tom Brady in jeopardy?
Nose Tackle Vince Wilfork, who sat out last week, remains listed as "questionable", and now his backup, Mike Wright, who made several great plays last week, is listed right after him.
Want some good news? OK, here it is: Rodney Harrison, listed as "out" two weeks ago and upgraded to "doubtful" last week, has been upgraded to "questionable."
New England Patriots (10-4)
P Ken Walter out (Knee-Placed on IR)
ILB Eric Alexander questionable (Shoulder)
FS Rashad Baker questionable (Thigh)
RB Kevin Faulk questionable (Knee)
SS Rodney Harrison questionable (Shoulder)
RB Laurence Maroney questionable (Back)
T Ryan O'Callaghan questionable (Neck)
TE Benjamin Watson questionable (Knee)
NT Vince Wilfork questionable (Ankle)
DE Mike Wright questionable (Shoulder)
QB Tom Brady probable (Shoulder)
CB Ellis Hobbs probable (Wrist)
DE Richard Seymour probable (Elbow)
Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6)
DT Tony McDaniel questionable (Hip)
RB Fred Taylor questionable (Hamstring)
CB Ahmad Carroll probable (Groin)
OLB Jorge Cordova probable (Hamstring)
P Chris Hanson probable (Left Hamstring)
RB Maurice Jones-Drew probable (Knee)
G Vincent Manuwai probable (Calf)
RB Montell Owens probable (Head)
DT Marcus Stroud probable (Ankle)
RB Derrick Wimbush probable (Ankle)