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Patriots Get a Boost as Injured Players Return

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The New England Patriots got a major boost earlier today when injured players Aaron Hernandez (knee), Albert Haynesworth (back), and Mike Wright (concussion) returned to practice. All three have missed the last two games (Wright the last three) and did not participate in yesterday’s practice, and all could play key roles in Sunday’s game against the New York Jets. TE Aaron Hernandez started off the season on fire, catching 14 passes for 165 yards and 2 touchdowns in two games. He’s a match-up nightmare for defenses and can really help open up the field for Wes Welker and other Patriot receivers or be Tom Brady’s safety net if the Jets take away Welker.

The Jets’ offensive line has struggled through the first four games of the season. The running game hasn’t been able to get going and Mark Sanchez has been harassed in the backfield. Center Nick Mangold, probably the best in the game, has missed some time and is still nursing an ankle injury. Even if he plays, he won’t be 100%. Albert Haynesworth and Mike Wright could really create some inside pressure with Vince Wilfork against this Jet offensive line and put a clamp down on the running game. If the Pats’ defensive line has the ability to improve and show that they can get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, this is the game to show that it can be done.

Here is the complete injury report for 10/6:

Did Not Participate

  • WR Julian Edelman (ankle)
  • LB Jerod Mayo (knee)
  • OT Sebastian Vollmer (back)
  • RB Danny Woodhead (ankle)

Limited Participation

  • CB Kyle Arrington (chest)
  •  S Josh Barrett (thumb/hamstring)
  • CB Leigh Bodden (groin)
  • S Patrick Chung (hand)
  • CB Ras-I Dowling (hip)
  • DL Shaun Ellis (knee)
  • LB Gary Guyton (knee)
  • DL Kyle Love (ankle)
  • DL Albert Haynesworth (back)
  • TE Aaron Hernandez (knee)
  • DL Mike Wright (concussion)

Full Participation

  • LB Dane Fletcher (thumb)

New York Jets Injury Report 

Ruled Out for Sunday: WR Logan Payne (wrist); LB Bryan Thomas (Achilles)

Did Not Participate: LB Garrett McIntyre (concussion)

Limited Participation: OL Nick Mangold (ankle); LB Calvin Pace (abdomen)

Full Participation: DB Antonio Cromartie (ribs); DL Mike DeVito (shoulder); LB David Harris (toe); DB Eric Smith (tricep); WR Plaxico Burress (elbow); DL Muhammad Wilkerson (shoulder)

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