Week 16 Patriots vs Bills Thursday injury report: No changes for New England

Today, the New England Patriots held their second practice in preparation for their upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills. And just like yesterday, the team did not quite have perfect attendance as the latest injury report shows:

Did not participate

Patriots: DT Alan Branch (knee), RB Rex Burkhead (knee)

Bills: WR Andre Holmes (neck), DT Kyle Williams (groin)

For the second straight day, Alan Branch and Rex Burkhead were no-shows – which is no surprise given that their respective injuries are expected to keep them out for the remainder of the regular season. Therefore, the goal should be to get both ready once New England enters the postseason race; ideally for the divisional playoffs.

Limited participation

Patriots: RB Brandon Bolden (groin), WR Chris Hogan (shoulder), DB Brandon King (hamstring), DE Eric Lee (ankle), WR Matthew Slater (hamstring), LB Kyle Van Noy (calf), OT LaAdrian Waddle (ankle), RB James White (ankle)

Buffalo: Bills: TE Charles Clay (knee), RB LeSean McCoy (knee), OG John Miller (ankle), OG Richie Incognito (rest), WR Kelvin Benjamin (knee), CB E.J. Gaines (knee), TE Nick O'Leary (back)

The list of the Patriots' limited participants also looks like yesterday as a total of eight players were limited today. Of those eight, Matthew Slater and LaAdrian Waddle appear like solid bets to be active versus the Bills. The other six players will likely be game-time decisions.

Buffalo, meanwhile, saw three players return in limited capacity: Kelvin Benjamin, E.J. Gaines and Nick O'Leary all returned after being absent yesterday. Richie Incognito is a new addition to the list as he received some rest today.

Full participation

Bills: QB Nathan Peterman (concussion), WR Deonte Thompson (back)

Nathan Peterman was 100% for the second straight day, while Deonte Thompson was upgraded from limited to full participant today.

Removed

Bills: LB Lorenzo Alexander (rest)