The 2015 NFL regular season is almost over. While the New England Patriots have already secured their seventh consecutive AFC East title and a first-round playoff bye, the team still has to beat the Miami Dolphins on Sunday to earn homefield advantage throughout the playoffs. However, the team might have to do so without some key contributors - at least if today's first injury report of the week is any indication.
Let's take a look at today's list:
CB Justin Coleman (Concussion): DNP
LB Jonathan Freeny (Hand): DNP
DE Rob Ninkovich (Shin): DNP
OT Sebastian Vollmer (Ankle): DNP
WR Danny Amendola (Knee): LP
TE Scott Chandler (Knee): LP
SS Patrick Chung (Foot): LP
WR Julian Edelman (Foot): LP
LB Dont'a Hightower (Knee): LP
OG Josh Kline (Shoulder): LP
WR Brandon LaFell (Foot): LP
FS Devin McCourty (Ankle): LP
OT LaAdrian Waddle (Shoulder): LP
DE Chandler Jones (Abdomen): FP
While the abscences of Sebastian Vollmer and Justin Coleman do not come as a surprise given their respective injuries suffered last Sunday against the New York Jets, seeing Rob Ninkovich added to the list is - at least a little bit. The defensive end left the game in New York temporarily but ultimately returned to the field. Still, Ninkovich was held out today; a situation worth monitoring in the upcoming days.
Other than Ninkovich, today's injury report does not contain any surprises. Given the Patriots' position in the AFC's playoff race it seems like a smart move to play it safe with those listed.