New England Patriots: Patriots List Seven Players as Questionable for SB

The New England Patriots released their final injury report of the 2016 season on Friday, where they listed seven players as questionable for Super Bowl LI.

None of the players on the report are a huge surprise, as all were limited in practice on Thursday. While they are listed as questionable, all are expected to play in the Super Bowl tomorrow evening.

Defensive tackle Alan Branch (toe) has been on record saying he will play, while head coach Bill Belichick said that special teamer Nate Ebner (concussion) should suit up as well.

In addition to those two, TE Martellus Bennett (kneew), LB Dont’a Hightower (shoulder), WR Chris Hogan (thigh), WR Malcolm Mitchell (knee) and DT Vincent Valentine (back) were all listed as questionable. All were active for the AFC Championship game two weeks ago and all played in the game.

The biggest question for the Patriots is who they are going to make healthy scratches for the game. Malcolm Mitchell played two weeks ago despite being inactive for the Divisional round game against the Houston Texans, which lead to WR Michael Floyd being inactive for the AFC Championship game. If that pattern holds true through tomorrow, Floyd’s status on returning to the Patriots could be in doubt.

The Atlanta Falcons, meanwhile, listed WR Julio Jones (toe), C Alex Mack (fibula), and DE Dwight Freeney (calf) as questionable on their final injury report. Jones and Freeney are both expected to play, while Mack is the biggest question mark. His presence in the Falcons lineup has helped solidify the league’s top offense, and he was lauded as the best offseason pickup last year from the Cleveland Browns. Losing him would create a significant void up the middle and allow more pressure to be put on quarterback Matt Ryan.

Next: 5 Matchups to Watch in Super Bowl LI

Kickoff is scheduled for 6:30 EST tomorrow.