The New England Patriots have the Super Bowl marked on their calendar and are certainly looking the part of contenders with two games left to play in the season. The early offensive struggles are a distant memory for Patriots' fans as Tom Brady and company have hit their stride at the exact right time. However, one thing that could derail their postseason plans are injuries and the list is lengthy heading into Week 16.
Several key players were listed on the Patriots' injury report heading into a showdown with the New York Jets. The Patriots are trying to clinch a first-round bye in the playoffs and are aiming to win out to secure position. Julian Edelman has been a key to the team's success through 15 weeks, but is now doubtful for Sunday with a concussion. The wide receiver was limited in practice for having both a concussion and thigh injury. Phil Perry of CSNNE.com reports that while Edelman did not show signs of a concussion during the win over the Miami Dolphins, he could have during practice early in the week.
LeGarrette Blount also appeared on the injury list with a shoulder injury which could play into the team's running back rotation in Week 16. Jonas Gray re-emerged in the Patriots backfield against the Dolphins to outrush Blount, putting up 62 yards. It was his biggest performance since the Indianapolis Colts game where he had 201 yards and four touchdowns. Gray has reportedly been in the Bill Belichick dog house for showing up late to practice, but the strong numbers in Week 15 could put him back in the starting spot.
"Yeah, I was excited to make a big play for our team and just kind of be a sparkplug for the offense," Gray said, via ESPN.com. "It was nice. We came into halftime, Coach [Josh] McDaniels gave a pretty fiery speech. We all came out with a different mindset in the second half. We knew we had to do a lot of things better and we came out and executed. When my number was called, I was ready. Those guys rallied around me, great blocking downfield, great checks and we were able to get something going."
If Edelman is limited for the remainder of the week, it could mean big things for players like Brandon LaFell and Tim Wright against the Jets. Blount and Gray will likely rotate carries, but injuries could change who is the starter.
