The New England Patriots are undefeated this season despite injuries continuing to hit the roster. The Patriots have already lost both Dion Lewis and Julian Edelman for various weeks of time and the story continued in Week 12 as two more offensive stars went down with injuries. Already hurting healthy bodies, losing Danny Amendola and Aaron Dobson could be worrisome.
Both Amendola and Dobson showed their value in Week 11, but neither finished the game on the field. Dobson left in the first half with an ankle injury while Amendola went out with a knee injury in the third quarter. Both receivers were on their way to looking like key pieces in the offense. Dobson had one catch for 17 yards before leaving with an injury while Amendola had 117 yards off nine catches before getting hurt. At the moment, it is unclear how serious the injuries are for either player, but quarterback Tom Brady admits it is becoming an issue.
"We've lost a lot of guys, and we've lost quite a few guys over the last three weeks," Brady said, via Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald. "I think we'll just keep fighting and figure out a way to win."
Brandon LaFell who has been picking up the slack in place of Amendola noted that the receiver looked to be in good spirits leaving the game. The receiver well aware just how valuable Amendola is to the offense and will be to the offense moving forward. Leading the receiving group in Week 11 is just a hint of what Amendola can do in place of Edelman and LaFell is hopeful that he returns quickly to the field with Week 12 approaching with a game against the Denver Broncos.
"I was hoping it was something he could shake off in a few seconds and get back on the field, but it wasn't," LaFell said, via ESPN.com. "Hopefully he'll be OK, because we're going to need him for the rest of the year, especially with Jules [Julian Edelman] out."
While the Patriots were happy to have a breakout game with Amendola, they also benefitted from a big game from James White. With Lewis out, White has picked up the slack as the versatile running back to pair with LeGarrette Blount. White had 14 yards rushing off two carries with another 32 yards receiving while finding the endzone twice. He was critical in short-yardage situations and got the Patriots needed scores against the Bills. Moving forward White could become more favored for Brady.
"James has been a dependable player for us," head coach Bill Belichick said, via ESPN.com. "He came through with a couple big plays last week against the Giants and had them today. We need everybody every week, and he made some plays for us today."
