In only three days, the New England Patriots will host the New York Jets for the two teams’ regular season finale. Entering the game, the Patriots are the clear favorites — not just because of their superior record but also because they are the healthier of the two squads as a look at the latest practice report shows:
Did not participate
Patriots: TE Jacob Hollister (hamstring)
Jets: CB Morris Claiborne (shoulder/ankle), WR Quincy Enunwa (ankle), WR Jermaine Kearse (Achilles), K Jason Myers (left hip), LB Kevin Pierre-Louis (shoulder)
While he participated in yesterday’s practice in a limited capacity, tight end Jacob Hollister was a no-show on Thursday. The second-year man, who is serving as the Patriots’ third tight end behind Rob Gronkowski and Dwayne Allen, already missed three games earlier this season because of an injured hamstring. Now, the issue costs him at least more practice time — and potentially another game.
Limited participation
Patriots: LB Brandon King (knee), WR Cordarrelle Patterson (knee)
Jets: LB Jordan Jenkins (ankle)
The lists of limited participants remain unchanged in both New England and New York. For the Patriots, special teams ace Brandon King and offensive jack-of-all-trades Cordarrelle Patterson are still unable to practice fully and it would not be a surprise if their availability for Sunday came down to a game-day call. And with the playoffs just around the corner and the Jets not necessarily world-beaters, New England might opt to play the injury situations extra safe.
Full participation
Jets: CB Trumaine Johnson (not injury related), DT Mike Pennel (tooth), WR Robby Anderson (ankle), OT Kelvin Beachum (knee), QB Sam Darnold (foot), OC Jonotthan Harrison (wrist), TE Jordan Leggett (knee), OC Spencer Long (back/finger), CB Buster Skrine (shoulder)
Two Jets returned to practice today: starting cornerback Trumaine Johnson and rotational defensive tackle Mike Pennel were both back after missing Wednesday’s practice. The two defenders — just like the other full participants — will play on Sunday.