The New England Patriots and New York Jets have released their first injury reports of week 16 and the Patriots are clearly the healthier team.
CB Malcolm Butler (hip), CB Eric Rowe (hamstring), and LB Elandon Roberts (hamstring) have been removed from the injury report. QB Tom Brady is back on the list.
Did Not Participate
Patriots: WR Danny Amendola (ankle)
Jets: RB Matt Forte (knee/shoulder), CB Nick Marshall (illness), LB Lorenzo Mauldin (ankle), DT Steve McLendon (hamstring)
Amendola is not expected to play, while Forte took a backseat to an extremely productive Bilal Powell in week 15.
Limited Participation
Patriots: TE Martellus Bennett (ankle/shoulder), QB Tom Brady (thigh*), LB Dont’a Hightower (knee), DB Jordan Richards (knee), ST Matthew Slater (foot)
Jets: TE Brandon Bostick (ankle), WR Brandon Marshall (shoulder/back), TE Brent Qvale (hamstring), RB Khiry Robinson (lower leg), CB Buster Skrine (concussion), DE Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle), DE Leonard Williams (chest)
Brady is back on the injury report with a knee problem after a two-week hiatus, but perhaps he just received a veteran’s day on a short week.
*EDIT: The Patriots have issued an updated injury report with the statement, “Tom Brady’s injury should be listed as thigh, not knee.” This is a new injury and isn’t considered a concern for the team.
All other players were expected to be on the list.
The Jets appear to have half of their starters limited, including their two best defensive linemen, a starter cornerback, and their best offensive player in Brandon Marshall.
Full Participation
Patriots: N/A
Jets: QB Bryce Petty (chest)
The Jets expect Petty to start at quarterback this week after taking a bone-crushing hit against the Dolphins.