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While the New England Patriots have not declared any players out for their wild card matchup against the Tennessee Titans, they still entered the weekend with six players listed as questionable on their final injury report. Whether or not the six men will ultimately be able to suit up remains to be seen, but there are at least some positive reports surrounding one of them: strong safety and core special teamer Terrence Brooks.
According to ESPN Boston’s Mike Reiss, the team felt optimistic about Brooks’ availability for the game against Tennessee after he was limited all week in practice due to a groin injury. Getting the first-year Patriot back today after he already missed the regular season finale because of the ailment would certainly be good news for New England: the Titans use their tight ends quite a bit, after all, and Brooks was used to defend the position in the past.
The 27-year-old being declared active would also give the Patriots additional depth in a secondary that has two other players listed as questionable as well — coincidentally also because of groin injuries: slot cornerback Jonathan Jones, who was active but limited last week, and perimeter cornerback Jason McCourty, who played only eight snaps over two games since hurting his groin in mid-November.
The other Patriots questionable to play tonight are wide receiver Julian Edelman (knee/shoulder), and linebackers Jamie Collins (shoulder) and Ja’Whaun Bentley (knee). New England and Tennessee will announce their inactive lists 90 minutes before the 8:15 pm kickoff.