The New England Patriots finally return to the gridiron this Sunday when the team takes on the Seattle Seahawks in a highly anticipated rematch of Super Bowl XLIX. Coming off their bye week, the Patriots are already well into their preparation for the prime time matchup.
After not practicing over the weekend, the Patriots returned to the fields behind Gillette Stadium yesterday and today. For the latter session the team is required to release an injury report – and it looks as follows:
Limited Participation
TE Martellus Bennett (ankle)
DT Alan Branch (back)
WR Julian Edelman (foot)
Cornerback Jonathan Jones, who was not spotted during yesterday’s session returned to practice today.
But that’s the whole injury report. The Patriots had 9 players on the report in week 8 and most were rookies. DT Woodrow Hamilton (shoulder) is healthy. So are CB Jonathan Jones (hip), WR Malcolm Mitchell (hamstring), LB Elandon Roberts (ankle), and DT Vincent Valentine (back). LB Jamie Collins (hip) was traded and RB Brandon Bolden (knee) was removed from the list on the Friday prior to facing the Bills.
Bennett is still dealing with an ankle sprain he suffered in week 5 against the Browns and Edelman is recovering from his foot surgery over the offseason. Branch is a new addition and hopefully it is not something too serious.
While they are not listed on the injury report, as they are not on the active roster, running back Dion Lewis and quarterback Jacoby Brissett were both spotted at practice. Lewis appeared to practice fully once again as he nears activation off the PUP list, while Brissett – currently on injured reserve but a candidate to return – was present but did neither wear pads nor a helmet.
Practice squad DT Anthony Johnson was signed by the Jets.
The Seahawks have also released their injury report:
Did Not Participate
DE Michael Bennett (knee), OUT
TE Jimmy Graham (not injury related)
DE Cassius Marsh (ankle)
Limited Participation
RB Thomas Rawls (fibula)
TE Luke Wilson (knee)
Full Participation
S Kam Chancellor (groin)
CB DeAndre Elliott (hamstring)
OT Bradley Sowell (knee)
QB Russell Wilson (knee)
As head coach Pete Carroll said during a conference call earlier today, defensive tackle Michael Bennett – the brother of Patriots’ tight end Martellus Bennett – will be out for Sunday’s game after having knee surgery last week.
The Seahawks look to return a handful of key starters, like RB Thomas Rawls, S Kam Chancellor, and OT Bradley Sowell.