Although the Patriots are big underdogs heading into Buffalo, at least they’re healthy. The Patriots listed five players as questionable and none as out.
After suffering concussions in prior weeks, cornerback Marcus Jones and wide receiver DeVante Parker were removed from the injury report and will both be active in Buffalo. Meanwhile, tight end Jonnu Smith is still dealing with a concussion. He is questionable, along with cornerback Jonathan Jones (chest), receiver Jakobi Meyers (shoulder), cornerback Jalen Mills (groin), and defensive back Brenden Schooler (hip).
The rookie cornerback Marcus Jones did it all for the Patriots in their first matchup against Buffalo, as he caught a touchdown, returned punts and kicks, and matched up with slot receiver Isaiah McKenzie. Jones is the Patriots’ most versatile player and can be explosive and a game-changer with the ball in his hands.
Fellow teammate DeVante Parker has missed the last three games with a concussion he suffered against the Cardinals. Many thought Parker would be placed on the season-ending IR, but he returned to practice and looks to suit up against the Bills. Although Parker doesn’t have much separation, he’s one of the best receivers in the league when it comes to contested catches.
The Patriots could get added help in the secondary as Jalen Mills is poised to return after a five-game hiatus, as he hasn’t been active since Thanksgiving. After being limited earlier in the week, cornerback Myles Bryant is off the injury report and ready to play.
The Bills didn’t list any players on their final injury report, as they are coming off a chaotic game against the Bengals, which is an understatement. Safety Damar Hamlin had to be resuscitated after his cardiac arrest. The Bills also removed defensive back Teron Johnson from concussion protocol.
The Patriots are in a win-and-in game this Sunday. However, they could still reach the playoffs with losses by the Dolphins, Steelers, and Titans.
The Patriots and Bills kickoff in what will be an emotional Week 18 in upstate New York at 1:00 p.m.
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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.
