Key Patriots Returning from Injury: Edelman, LaFell expected to play

The Patriots have made the most of their time off and are planning the return of their key players back to the field.

After resting their starters against the Bills in Week 17, New England made it apparent that they just wanted everyone as healthy as possible for the post season. Key starters like Rob Gronkowski, Julian Edelman, Dan Connolly, Brandon Browner, Dont'a Hightower, and Sebastian Vollmer all sat out, while others like Tom Brady and Vince Wilfork only played for a part of the game.

Per ESPN's Mike Reiss, Connolly and Edelman are expected to speak with the media, while Nate Solder and Brandon LaFell both stated their availability for Saturday's game. Any time a player is available, it means that the coaches think they'll be able to play in that week's game.

With a couple weeks of rest for the injured, and a few weeks of transition for those returning from injuries like Chandler Jones and Sealver Siliga, the Patriots should be able to hit their stride for the final stretch of the season.