New England Patriots Saturday Injury Updates
The New England Patriots are dealing with some minor injuries right now in training camp, and that’s about par for the course for most NFL teams. The great news is that nobody has suffered any serious injuries a la Dennis Pitta, so we should count ourselves blessed. Although injuries were not kind to the Patriots during the regular season in 2012, only Dane Fletcher suffered a serious injury last year in training camp, and, in the grand scheme of things, a season-ending injury to a backup linebacker isn’t so bad. I’m crossing my fingers that this keeps up and no major injuries are inflicted upon key Patriots players, but the preseason has knack of being the bearer of bad news.
New England Patriots defensive back
Nate Ebner(43) workout prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jermaine Cunningham, Ras-I Dowling, and Marcus Cannon were once again not practicing yesterday, and they were once again joined by backup tackle Kevin Haslam. He wasn’t the only backup tackle not practicing, as Elvis Fisher has been dealing with some injuries, and those injuries (he was very talented but injury-prone in college, and injuries led to him being undrafted) led to him being released yesterday. Lavasier Tuinei was signed two days ago, but the former Oregon Ducks receiver also received his walking papers yesterday, as he also did not practice but dressed out.
Nate Ebner was an interesting omission from yesterday’s practice, and let’s hope the fan favorite special teams ace hasn’t suffered a significant ailment. He is on the roster bubble, because the play of rookies Logan Ryan, Steve Beauharnais, and Duron Harmon (you know, the Rutgers guys) have unfortunately put Ebner in a precarious position.
Tavon Wilson and Jake Ballard were also dressed out, but they too did not practice. Alfonzo Dennard was limited for the second straight day, while big Rutgers receiver and practice squad hopeful Mark Harrison was able to catch passes and condition. Special teams captain Matthew Slater, per NE Patriots Draft’s Mike Loyko, suffered a minor injury during warm-ups.
Michael Jenkins did not practice after suffering an injury Friday, but the great news is that another receiver who was injured on Friday was able to practice. We can all breathe a sigh of relief regarding the status of Julian Edelman, as the “if healthy breakout candidate” was practicing and once again looked good. He’s been fast, shown great hands, and he and Danny Amendola are the best at staying on the same page with Tom Brady.