Friday Injury Report: Almost perfect attendance, but Tommy Kelly is out Sunday

Unfortunately, you guessed incorrectly if you thought that the New England Patriots would go a full week with perfect practice attendance. After 100 percent participation on Wednesday and Thursday, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly was missing from Friday's practice with his still lingering knee injury.

Kelly reportedly suffered a setback sometime this week and is out for Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Fortunately, the Patriots will be less thin on the interior defensive line because of the acquisition of veteran nose tackle Isaac Sopoaga. Along with the youngsters -- Chris Jones, Joe Vellano, and Marcus Forston -- the line will need to play strong against the Steelers' rushing attack.

Reports suggest that cornerback Aqib Talib still looks hampered by his hip injury, but he has taken positive strides this week after being limited all three practices. Talib is questionable, but there is a solid chance that he suits up this weekend, as is the case with cornerback Kyle Arrington, who has been hampered by a groin injury.

The same can be said for kick returner Leon Washington, who could drastically improve the Patriots' 19th-ranked kick return unit. Washington has returned eight kickoffs for touchdowns in his career, which is tied for the most in NFL history, but he has only attempted one return this year for the Patriots.

Every other player on the injury report, including quarterback Tom Brady (right shoulder), wide receiver Danny Amendola (groin), and tight end Rob Gronkowski (back/forearm/hamstring), are all listed as probable.

Here is this week's full injury report for the New England Patriots:

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