The New England Patriots were down five players, including two running backs, in their second practice of Week 17.
Veteran running back Ezekiel Elliott was a new addition to the Patriots injury report. Elliott sat out at practice due to an illness. The former Pro-Bowler has taken tremendous strides in recent weeks, carrying the ball 62 times and catching 25 receptions for 338 scrimmage yards in the last four games.
Yesterday, the Patriots placed Rhamondre Stevenson on the season-ending IR, and without Elliott, the Patriots backfield could be in trouble. Without Elliott, the Patriots would have Kevin Harris, JaMycal Hasty, and practice squander Ke’Shawn Vaughn as their available running backs.
Along with Elliott, the Patriots were missing receivers JuJu Smith-Schuster (ankle) and Kayshon Boutte (personal reasons). Left tackle Trent Brown was listed as a none participant despite being spotted at practice. Jabrill Peppers (hamstring) and Jalen Mills (concussion) joined those who didn’t participate in Thursday’s session.
Full Patriots injury report:
DID NOT PARTICIPATE
OT Trent Brown, Illness
RB Ezekiel Elliott’s illness
S Jalen Mills, Concussion
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, Ankle
WR Kayshon Boutte, Not Injury-Related/Personal
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
DL Christian Barmore, Knee
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley, Knee
DB Myles Bryant, Chest
TE Hunter Henry, Knee
LB Anfernee Jennings, Knee
CB Jonathan Jones, Knee
ST Matthew Slater’s hamstring
CB Shaun Wade, Hip
The Patriots will practice again on Friday before traveling to Buffalo to play their Week 17 matchup at Highmark Stadium.
My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
