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The New England Patriots released their final injury report before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football and there is one new face: tight end Rob Gronkowski. Hopefully his injury is minor and will not affect his availability for the game.
Here’s the full report.
Out
Patriots: RB Rex Burkhead (ribs), CB Eric Rowe (groin)
Buccaneers: LB Kwon Alexander (hamstring)
Burkhead was limited all week, while Rowe and Alexander did not participate in practice. The Patriots will again lean on Mike Gillislee, James White, and Dion Lewis out of the backfield. Look for Malcolm Butler and Jonathan Jones to see more time with Rowe sidelined, and watch for Stephon Gilmore to cover Mike Evans all game.
Doubtful
Buccaneers: LB Lavonte David (ankle), S Keith Tandy (hip), S T.J. Ward (hip)
David and Tandy didn’t practice all week, which means that the Buccaneers two starting linebackers are likely to miss this game. Ward was limited on both Tuesday and Wednesday, but Tampa does not expect him to play or have a role against the Patriots.
Questionable
Patriots: OT Marcus Cannon (ankle), CB Stephon Gilmore (ankle), TE Rob Gronkowski (thigh), LB Dont’a Hightower (knee), S Brandon King (hamstring), LB Elandon Roberts (ankle), WR Matthew Slater (hamstring)
Isn’t this just a Who’s Who? of the most important players on the Patriots. Gronkowski is a new face on the list as all of these players were limited on Wednesday. Hopefully they will soon return to full health with a long week before their next game.
Removed
Patriots: OT Nate Solder (not injury related)
Solder returned to practice on Wednesday.