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The New England Patriots were missing four key starters against the Miami Dolphins in week 17, not including players who fought through injuries to be on the field. Three of them have been cleared to return.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman, offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer, and linebacker Dont'a Hightower have been cleared to play against the Chiefs, per reporter Doug Moore. According to 7News' Joe Amorosino, Edelman will have a steel plate in his left shoe to further protect the foot from additional risk of injury.
These three players should return to the field, while others like wide receiver Danny Amendola, offensive guard Josh Kline, defensive end Rob Ninkovich, and safeties Patrick Chung and Devin Mcourty should be healthier than they were during week 17.
The status of defensive end Chandler Jones (toe/abdomen) is still up in the air, but we will know more when practice reports are released this week.