New England Patriots rookie wide receivers Aaron Dobson (foot) and Kenbrell Thompkins (hip/concussion) have been listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship game against the Denver Broncos. The rookie duo reportedly traveled with the team, which is a sign that at least one of them will play.
If one or both of them are out, expect Austin Collie to get an increased amount of reps at receiver. Even if they do play, it's likely that we'll see quarterback Tom Brady heavily target Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola in the passing game anyway.
Linebacker Steve Beauharnais popped up on Friday's injury report with an illness and is out for Sunday's game. It's likely that rookie would've been an inactive anyway, as he hasn't made much of an impact this season, playing in only four of 17 total games.
Ryan Allen returned to practice this week after injuring his right shoulder in the third quarter of last week's 43-22 win over the Indianapolis Colts. Allen, who had a remarkable rookie year, will likely play despite being labeled as questionable.
I have a hard time imagining that the Patriots would've gone the whole week without signing a punter -- unless they feel completely comfortable using kicker Stephen Gostkowski again at the position.
Quarterback Tom Brady and long snapper Danny Aiken were both missing from practice on Wednesday with an illness, but they were removed from the injury report on Thursday and Friday. Both, as expected, will play. If Allen is out, look for Tom Brady to again take the role as the holder on field goals and extra points.
Here is this week's full injury report for the New England Patriots:
Name | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Sunday's Status |
LB Steve Beauharnais | Illness | ----- | ----- | DNP | OUT |
P Ryan Allen | Shoulder | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable |
WR Aaron Dobson | Foot | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable |
WR Kenbrell Thompkins | Hip/Concussion | Limited | Limited | Limited | Questionable |
WR Danny Amendola | Groin | Limited | Limited | Full | Probable |
CB Alfonzo Dennard | Knee/Shoulder | Limited | Full | Full | Probable |
LB Dane Fletcher | Groin | Limited | Full | Full | Probable |
LB Dont'a Hightower | Ankle | Limited | Limited | Full | Probable |
G Logan Mankins | Ankle | Limited | Full | Full | Probable |
RB Shane Vereen | Groin | Limited | Full | Full | Probable |
LS Danny Aiken | Illness | DNP | ----- | ----- | ----- |
CB Kyle Arrington | Groin | Limited | ----- | ----- | ----- |
QB Tom Brady | Right Shoulder / Illness | DNP | ----- | ----- | ----- |