Patriots Announce Week 8 Injury Report; Shane Vereen Illness

The Patriots have announced their final injury report for Sunday's game against the Bears. With the long rest behind them, the Patriots were able to return most players to the field. Here's the breakdown:

OUT: DE Chandler Jones (hip) - Jones is likely out for the next month. Jones is the only player who didn't practice the entire week.

Questionable: OL Dan Connolly (concussion), DL Dominique Easley (knee, shoulder), S Nate Ebner (finger), OL Cameron Fleming (finger), ST Matthew Slater (shoulder), OL Bryan Stork (concussion), RB Shane Vereen (illness).

Connolly and Stork as expected to return and bolster the Patriots interior line. Easley will likely play due to necessity. Ebner and Slater are key special teams players so their availability is crucial. Vereen is noted to be sick and will hopefully have recovered in time for Sunday.

Probable: QB Tom Brady (ankle), CB Brandon Browner (ankle), LB Jamie Collins (thigh), LB Dont'a Hightower (knee), S Devin McCourty (ribs) - All five should be expected to play.

The Bears downgraded their two starting linebackers to "doubtful", while listing their starting safety Chris Conte (shoulder) and starting cornerback Kyle Fuller as probable, although Fuller has a broken hand and injured hip. Look for the Patriots to attack the middle of the field.