The New England Patriots cannot escape injuries this season. The team continues to lose players each week for various amounts of time causing Tom Brady and company to try and make something out of nothing. While the team only has two losses on the season, the playoffs are looming and the Patriots need a healthy roster. While Rob Gronkowski is healthy and Julian Edelman appears ready to return, Danny Amendola is once again down.
New England got another injury scare in the win over the Tennessee Titans as Amendola went down on a 22-yard punt return in the second quarter after suffering a knee injury. He attempted to return, but instead went to the locker room for the remainder of the game. In his place, Leonard Hankerson filled in who was released by the Atlanta Falcons and picked up on waivers Wednesday. According to Mike Reiss of ESPN, the severity of Amendola's injury is not known. The receiver has dealt with one knee injury already this season causing him to miss time on the field and the Patriots cannot afford him to have suffered another. In his place, Brandon LaFell led the team with four catches for 88 yards.
Entering the game, the Patriots were already preparing to play without LeGarrette Blount who was lost for the season last week with a hip injury. Brandon Bolden and James White took his place along with Joey Iosefa who was activated over Montee Ball off the practice squad. The Patriots have concerns with the run game and it was a surprise to see Ball not get the call up considering he has a solid resume to his name. The ground game managed just 93 yards. Bolden had 36 yards off 10 carries while White managed just six yards off one carry while having seven catches for 71 yards. Heading into the postseason, the run game will need attention.
One good thing for the Patriots is they believe the team will be getting Edelman back sooner rather than later. The receiver has been out with a broken foot, but has since returned to the practice field. According to the Boston Herald, Edelman could be back by Week 17 as his rehab continues to progress. The Patriots thought he would not be back until the postseason, so this would be a nice surprise especially if Amendola is set to miss more time.
