The New England Patriots have released their final injury report before their Saturday AFC divisional round showdown with the Tennessee Titans. Based on the injury report, all Patriots players are available to play against the Titans as no player was mentioned in the “out” and “doubtful” portions of the report. However, the Patriots listed six players as questionable, including defensive linemen Alan Branch and Eric Lee, running backs Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee and James White, and linebacker Marquis Flowers.
The six men were limited in practice due to different issues.
Branch, Burkhead and Gillislee are dealing with knee issues, Flowers was limited due to illness, while Lee and White have ankle problems.
Running back DeMarco Murray will not be available due to a knee problem. Aside from Murray, no other Titans were listed as doubtful and/or questionable.
Patriots have perfect attendance in practice
For the first time since September, the Patriots had all their players in Thursday’s practice. Gillislee and wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell both returned to practice after missing the first two sessions of the week. Gillislee did not play in the Patriots’ regular-season finale due to a knee injury. Mitchell, for his part, will try to make it to the 53-man roster after coming off of injured reserve before their Week 17 game.
Flowers also returned to practice after missing Wednesday’s session due to illness. A key member of the Patriots’ defense, the 25-year-old Flowers tallied 3.5 sacks in the final two regular season games.
When asked about the possibility of Mitchell playing this year, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick replied: “I don’t know.
If that happens, I'll certainly let you know as soon as possible. There won't be a second delay,” Belichick said. He has until next week to activate Mitchell to the 53-man roster. If not, Mitchell will return to injured reserve, virtually ending his season. If Mitchell is not included in the mix, the Patriots will have Chris Hogan, Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola, Kenny Britt, and Phillip Dorsett at the receiver position.
Brady, Belichick wary of Titans
During their Thursday press conference, veteran quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Belichick discussed the challenges that they will face against the Titans, who pulled off a 22-21 upset win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC wild-card game.
“They're good. They're good at all levels. They've got veteran players at all levels,” said the 40-year-old Brady, who is 16 years older than Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, the biggest age gap between starting quarterbacks in playoff history. Belichick, for his part, acknowledged that the Titans have many weapons, especially running back Derrick Henry. "He's more than just a power back. He's a good space back and very athletic guy, can catch the ball," Belichick said of Henry.