The New England Patriots are 12-2, but they have had a lot of key injuries this season. Thankfully for them, star tight end Robert Gronkowski is back in the starting lineup after a terrible looking leg injury against the Denver Broncos.

With back-to-back wins, the Patriots have regained the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and they will take on the New York Jets this weekend. Let's preview some of the most notable injuries for the Patriots heading into their next game.

Devin McCourty

He's one of the best free safeties in the game today, but Devin McCourty missed the last game against the Tennessee Titans because of an ankle injury. McCourty has only missed one game this season, but most insiders believe he will not play against the Jets on Sunday. The Jets don't have the most prolific passing attack in the league, but with quality wide receivers like Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker, the Patriots may struggle to get stops.

Status: Questionable

Danny Amendola

Tom Brady has been throwing to so many different targets this season, it's hard to keep track. The odds of Julian Edelman playing this upcoming weekend are extremely slim, meaning Danny Amendola will be Brady's go to guy in the slot area, but that's only if he can play. Amendola left during the last game with a knee sprain, and unfortunately for Patriots fans, he is "not expected" to play against the Jets. Brandon LaFell is going to have to pick up his play as well. Newly signed free agent running back Steven Jackson is going to have to provide a reliable run game, especially if Amendola is out.

Status: Doubtful

Patrick Chung

Another safety is down for the Patriots. This time it's their starting strong safety, Patrick Chung. He had to leave last game because of a hip injury and is listed as "questionable" for the Jets game, but his injury didn't look good, as he had to be assisted off the field. That doesn't bode well for Sunday. If Chung and McCourty are both no go's for Sunday, Malcolm Butler may face the game of his life, with so little safety help over the top.

Status: Questionable

Scott Chandler

To make matters worse for Brady, one of his tight ends may not be on the field this weekend. Luckily Gronkowski will be playing, but Scott Chandler is hurting. Chandler was unable to play last week because of a knee injury. He isn't just useful in the Bill Belichick two tight end set. He is a very good blocker, who gives Brady more time to throw. If Chandler is unable to play, it could hurt the running game, and Brady is going to have to get rid of the ball quicker.

Status: Questionable

Dont'a Hightower

Dont'a Hightower played last week against the Titans, but he was limited in practice this week because of a knee issue. Hightower already missed games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans because of a sprained MCL. It's possible he can play this week, but the Patriots may want to sit him and play it safe instead. Hightower ranks third on the Patriots this year with 47 tackles. On the positive side, the Patriots have great linebacker depth with Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo.

Status: Questionable

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