Patriots blow the whistle on several injured starters before Week 17 clash with Jets

The sheer number of players the Patriots lost to injury in their comeback win over the Ravens last week surely meant they would be down a long list of starters for their Jets rematch this Sunday. And as predicted, that will be the case in New York for Week 17.

The team announced after practice on Friday that six starters would not be active for the game, most of whom are on offense, and that could make an expected win over their divisional rival a bit more difficult to attain.

It was also announced that Milton Williams, who was activated from IR this week, will not suit up on Sunday, either. That isn't entirely unexpected, given who their opponent is and the hope of avoiding further injury on a player they'll need in the playoffs.

However, with the others who won't be playing, like Harold Landry and Khyiris Tonga, it's going to be a rough day for the Patriots' defensive line.

The Patriots are making a smart decision by keeping their injured starters out for Week 17

At this point in the season, it's actually a good decision by a team like the Patriots to keep their injured but available players off the field if possible, especially when they're facing what appears to be a lighter schedule to end the year.

The last few years, even though they weren't competing for a playoff spot, they've had to end the season against the Bills, so they're certainly fortunate that's not on the docket this weekend.

Instead, they will (hopefully) take down the Jets on the road with ease, which would give them the perfect 8-0 away record for the season, and follow it up with a home win over the Dolphins, to bring them to a 14-3 record.

It looks doable even without some of their most productive players, but it's more important that they're at their best for the playoffs. They're currently the No. 2 seed and have an easy path to No. 1 if the Broncos fail to beat the Chargers in Week 18.