After suffering their worst loss of the season to the Bills last Sunday, the Patriots are hoping for a bounce-back game against the Ravens to secure a spot in the playoffs and remain the top seed in the AFC East for the time being.
They appeared to have everything planned well to take down Josh Allen and Buffalo's depleted defense, only to blow big leads and basically forfeit any offensive firepower they had, ending their ten-game win streak. And now, the pressure is on against a hungry Ravens team on Sunday Night Football.
As if an offense led by QB Lamar Jackson and RB Derrick Henry wasn't going to be difficult enough, the Patriots' defense, in particular, might have an even harder time if the long list of players who missed Wednesday's practice are not able to suit up.
Although thereis a chance Mike Vrabel is managing their injuries and giving veterans a midweek break, it's still concerning that top names on the defense were not present for practice ahead of a very important game.
Ravens prep begins: OLB Harold Landry (knee), LB Robert Spillane (foot), CB Carlton Davis (groin), CB Marcus Jones, and LB Christian Elliss weren’t spotted at the start of practice.#Patriots HC Mike Vrabel has been managing practice workloads for vets on Wednesdays. pic.twitter.com/FDOv97IKOt
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) December 17, 2025
Patriots' long list of absences at Wednesday's practice is concerning just days before matchup with Ravens
Because we're entering Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season, several players are expected to be injured or miss practices to manage injuries rather than risk them getting worse. So it's not totally surprising that the Patriots have some players falling in that category.
At the same time, their defensive effort in the second half against the Bills was lackluster at best, so being down any of their starters is not ideal, especially when they're about to face an offensive roster filled with explosive playmakers.
They'll need everyone they have to (hopefully) slow down players like Jackson and Henry, or they'll have absolutely no chance at leaving Baltimore with a win.
Although they don't technically need the win to remain in the playoff picture, because they're one game ahead of Buffalo, keeping that cushion could be what allows them to win the division and secure a higher seed, which could set them up for more success in the postseason.