New England Patriots and Arizona Cardinals Injury Report
New England Patriots Injuries
Probable
SS Patrick Chung (shoulder)
Questionable
RT Sebastian Vollmer (back), RB Shane Vereen (foot), RG Dan Connolly (concussion), TE Daniel Fells (shin), G/C Nick McDonald (shoulder), CB Sterling Moore (knee), CB Alfonzo Dennard (hamstring).
Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE
I expect Dennard to be inactive for this game, and Vereen and Fells will also likely be out for this game. Michael Hoomanawanui is a great run blocker in his own right, so his presence decreases the need for playing Fells. Danny Woodhead’s ability to pick up free pass rushers in blitz pick-up will be key against the Arizona Cardinals, so the Pats can go without Vereen for another week.
Hopefully Sterling Moore can play to keep the Pats four-deep at corner moving forward, but the most important injuries are on the offensive line. One of either Connolly or McDonald has to play, and I would hope it’s Connolly. However, there is no sense in rushing him back from a concussion, no matter how “minor” it may be given his history of concussions. As for Vollmer, I don’t see him missing this game. The Pats will limit him, but we need him in order to help contain Calais Campbell.
Arizona Cardinals Injury Report
Probable
G Daryn Colledge (elbow), C Lyle Sendlein (back), FS Kerry Rhodes (foot), RB Chris Wells (knee), RB Ryan Williams (knee), K Jeff Feely (back), TE Jeff King (knee), CB Greg Toler (hip), CB Jamell Fleming (shoulder), LB O’Brien Schofield (knee), G Adam Snyder (elbow).
Questionable
FS Adrian Wilson (ankle), CB Patrick Peterson (groin), S Rashad Johnson (thigh).
Doubtful
QB John Skelton (ankle).
If Skelton plays, I will be extremely surprised. Let’s just put it that way. Adrian Wilson is a warrior, so there is no way he misses this game. Peterson is also going to play, and the Cards will need him to be at his best against Brandon Lloyd.
There are a lot of key players nicked up and on the “probable” list, with three cornerbacks and three safeties being listed on the injury report. This could mean that the Cardinals will be forced to play former Patriot James Sanders more often. That’s going to be an interesting reunion, and he has stated he wants to make an impact in this game and show the Pats that he has it. While Sanders is good in run support, he is awful in coverage, and I am sure any Atlanta Falcons fan will back up that statement.
You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.