New England Patriots TE Martellus Bennett missed Friday’s practice and there were concerns about his availability on Sunday. If Bennett were unable to play, then Rob Gronkowski would be the only healthy tight end on the roster.
But it looks like Bennett should be good to go, per multiple reporters.
Martellus Bennett is on the trip to Buffalo, per source. Missed yesterday for ankle maintenance.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) October 29, 2016
While TE Martellus Bennett (ankle) did not practice Friday, it is not considered a situation that should affect his availability vs. Bills.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) October 29, 2016
Patriots' TE Martellus Bennett and WR Julian Edelman, both listed as questionable for Sunday's game vs. Buffalo, will play, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2016
It would appear that WR Julian Edelman, DT Vincent Valentine, and CB Jonathan Jones made the trip and are expected to contribute or be a game time decision.
DT Woodrow Hamilton did not make the trip and have been declared out by the Patriots.
#Patriots downgrade DL Woodrow Hamilton to out for #NEvsBUF.
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 30, 2016
Hamilton would have served as important depth for the Patriots run defense. Since Valentine appears ready to go, the impact will not be as great.
What will have a bigger impact is Bills RB LeSean McCoy missing the game with a hamstring injury.
Hardly a huge surprise, but still: Bills' RB LeSean McCoy, nursing a hamstring injury, is out Sunday vs Patriots, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 30, 2016
McCoy is extremely shifty in the open field and was a key reason for the Bills week 4 victory. The Patriots defenders did not break down well in space and McCoy was able to force missed tackles. McCoy’s back-up is 5’11, 220 pound Mike Gillislee, who better aligns with the strengths of the Patriots defense.