Days after his outstanding performance in Mexico City, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady was a limited participant in Thursday practice due to an Achilles issue. In their 33-8 win over the Oakland Raiders, Brady completed 30-of-37 passes for 339 yards and three touchdowns as the Patriots improved to 8-2. Despite the Achilles issue, Brady is expected to start against the Miami Dolphins (4-6). Aside from Brady, safety Patrick Chung, wide receivers Danny Amendola and Matthew Slater, defensive tackle Malcom Brown, cornerback Eric Rowe and tight end Rob Gronkowski were all limited in practice.
Chung and Brown have been hounded by ankle issues while Amendola is being bothered by his knee problem. Rowe has a groin injury, Gronkowski has an unknown illness while Slater is hounded by hamstring problem. Among those who did not participate were tight end Martellus Bennett, offensive linemen David Andrews and Marcus Cannon and wide receiver Chris Hogan. Bennett is dealing with hamstring and shoulder issues, Andrews has an illness while Cannon and Hogan have ankle and shoulder problems, respectively.
Jay Cutler could play against Patriots
Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler was limited in practice after suffering concussion symptoms in their 30-20 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Omar Kelly of the Sun-Sentinel.
However, head coach Adam Gase said Cutler will start against the Patriots if the quarterback receives clearance from the NFL. Cutler must clear all four stages of the concussion protocol required by an independent neurologist before he could suit up against the Patriots. This season, Cutler has completed 64.6 percent of his passes for 1,602 yards and nine touchdowns with 13 interceptions.
Cutler is 0-3 lifetime against the Patriots. If Cutler won’t play, backup Matt Moore will make the start for the Dolphins.
Moore took over play-calling duties from Cutler in the second half against the Buccaneers, throwing for 282 yards and one touchdown. Linebacker Stephone Anthony, guard Jermon Bushrod, defensive end Williams Hayes and Laremy Tunsil did not practice while running back Senorise Perry and safety Michael Thomas were full participants in Thursday’s training.
Brady trails Wentz in Pro Bowl voting
The 40-year-old Brady currently trails Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz in the 2018 Pro Bowl voting. According to the NFL, Wentz has 273,467 votes while Brady has 239,989 votes. Wentz leads the league in touchdown passes with 25 while the Eagles own the NFL’s best 9-1 mark. Third on the list is Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell with 227,771 votes, Los Angeles Rams rusher Todd Gurley with 215,687 and Pittsburgh wideout Antonio Brown with 215,584 votes.
