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Even though they have 16 regular season games under their belt and 13 players on season-ending injury reserve lists, the New England Patriots are pretty healthy entering tomorrow’s divisional playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers. Yesterday’s final practice report of the week included only one name for the club: defensive edge Deatrich Wise Jr. is questionable to play because of an ankle injury.
However, it appears as if the second-year man will be good to go tomorrow: according to a report by The Athletic’s Jeff Howe, Wise Jr. is expected to be ready despite being limited in practice all week long. This is of course good news for a New England team that has faced some questions on its defensive edge this year. While Trey Flowers is locked in on one end of the line, the other side is subject to a rotation.
Wise Jr. plays a key role in it and over the Patriots’ last two games was the top option opposite Flowers with Adrian Clayborn a healthy scratch. The 24-year old improved as a run defender this season but primarily works as an edge rusher. He finished the regular season with 4.5 sacks as well as nine quarterback hits and four hurries.