New England Patriots Injury Report: Updates on Rob Gronkowski, Dont'a Hightower, Julian Edelman & Jamie Collins
The New England Patriots have been devastated with injuries over last month, and it's taken its toll. Multiple injuries to numerous players have now led to a two game losing streak before their Sunday Night matchup against the Houston Texans.
Here is an update on the Patriots most notable injured players.
Rob Gronkowski
Gronkowski is the best tight end when healthy, but he had to miss the last game against the Philadelphia Eagles. His leg injury against the Denver Broncos looked a lot worse than it actually was, and thankfully it wasn't another torn ACL. Gronkowski has a right knee strain, and it doesn't look like he will play against the Texans on Sunday. It is possible for the star tight end to suit up, but it's just not worth the risk considering the Patriots need "Gronk" for the postseason in 100 percent form. Scott Chandler should get the start again.
Status: Doubtful
Dont'a Hightower
The injury bug has hit the Patriots on defense as well. Dont'a Hightower has a team leading 47 tackles this year, but he has missed the last two games because of a sprained MCL. Hightower did return to practice on Wednesday on a limited basis, but there's still no guarantee he will play this weekend. It's 50/50 on whether or not the young linebacker will play at this point according to head coach Bill Belichick. Patriots insiders, however, believe Hightower will not play given the fact that he is still limited.
Status: Questionable
Jamie Collins
Jamie Collins had missed the previously missed four consecutive games with a mystery illness, but he returned to action against the Eagles last week. Collins is expected to play yet again, and that's huge for New England's defense. Collins is one of the most talented linebackers who can bring the pass rush, drop back and cover opposing tight ends and stop the run. Having Collins on the field with Chandler Jones is just what is needed.
Status: Will play
Julian Edelman
Gronkowski catches the touchdowns, but Julian Edelman is the one who moves the chains with short range catches. Edelman broke his foot against the New York Giants, and it's causing major problems for Tom Brady and the offense. Edelman had a screw inserted into his foot, and he could very well miss the remainder of the regular season. Edelman could return for the postseason, but he won't be playing on Sunday.
Status: Out
Danny Amendola
With Gronkowski and Edelman out, Danny Amendola has to be the go to guy for Brady, especially with Brandon LaFell dropping so many passes. Amendola suffered a sprained knee injury in Week 11 causing him to miss a little time, but he will in fact play this weekend. Amendola ranks third (behind Gronkowski & Edelman) on the Patriots in receiving yards this year, and he did have a touchdown reception last week against the Eagles. When you're facing J.J. Watt, you're going to have to get the ball out fast.
Status: Will play
Follow Damon Salvadore on Twitter @DamonSalvadore1
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