Updated Patriots injury report for Week 6 sees crucial player return to practice
The Patriots continue to deal with a mountain of injuries early in the season, with reports getting longer every week. Fortunately, although there are still more names on the latest injury report than anyone would want to see, there is some good news to come out of the latest practice on Thursday ahead of their matchup with the Texans on Sunday.
One of the most significant losses for the Patriots' last game against the Dolphins was the absence of starting safeties Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers. With Peppers' future up in the air, it was good to see that Dugger returned in a limited capacity at the team's latest practice.
He has been dealing with an ankle injury that defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington couldn't provide an update for when speaking to reporters this morning. That left many believing it wasn't going to be promising, but his ability to practice ahead of an upcoming tough matchup at least shows he's moving in the right direction.
Fortunately, Marte Mapu's return helped tremendously in the secondary's effort last week, so if Dugger cannot suit up on Sunday, they at least have a more than competent player ready to go in his place.
Other than Dugger's return, there was more good news regarding the offensive line, which will remain the same starting lineup for Drake Maye this weekend. That will be the first time the same group starts for a second game in a row, which couldn't come at a better time as the rookie is set to have his official NFL debut.
It was great to see Vederian Lowe fully participate, as he was the best pass blocker against the Dolphins last week. It was an unexpected performance from the tackle, who had been one of the players struggling the most this season, but it's a welcomed change with David Andrews sidelined for the rest of the season.
One big negative, however, is Rhamondre Stevenson's inability to practice for the second day this week, which doesn't bode well for his availability on Sunday. That would mean Antonio Gibson would get the start again, just like last week.
But Stevenson was still a big part of the offense's success against the Dolphins, so missing this week's game would be a massive loss.
DID NOT PARTCIPATE | LIMITED PARTICIPATION | FULL PARTICIPATION |
|---|---|---|
RB Rhamondre Stevenson (foot) | CB Isaiah Bolden (hamstring) | LB Anfernee Jennings (shoulder) |
WR Kendrick Bourne (knee) | CB Jonathan Jones (shoulder) | |
S Kyle Dugger (ankle) | T Vederian Lowe (knee) | |
DT Davon Godchaux (elbow) | ||
CB Marcus Jones (groin) | ||
C Nick Leverett (ankle) | ||
WR K.J. Osborn (shoulder) | ||
G Layden Robinson (ankle/wrist) | ||
LB Sione Takitaki (knee) | ||
CB Marco Wilson (groin) |
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