Seymour still questionable
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FOXBOROUGH - Richard Seymour is listed as questionable for tomorrow's game against the Bills, meaning there is a 50-50 chance the defensive tackle will play. Seymour missed his third consecutive practice yesterday as he recovers from a back injury suffered in the Patriots' victory over the Cardinals Sunday.
Seymour, one of the league's top defensive tackles, has eight sacks this season, tying the career high he set in 2003. Seymour, who hasn't missed a game this season, has played the full regular season only twice previously. Seymour missed seven games last season because of injury.
If Seymour is unable to play, it would leave the Patriots thin on the defensive line. Starting end Ty Warren, also listed as questionable, has missed three games with a groin injury, from which he is still recovering. Warren said the injury forces him off the field on obvious passing downs. He also reiterated he will require offseason surgery.
"I'm just playing ball," Warren said. "My situation is already known about. It's going to require fixing after the season. I don't want to make it a big deal."
Warren had been incredibly durable prior to this season, missing only one game in five seasons, but he knew injury would eventually find him.
"It's inevitable," Warren said. "Stick around long enough, and you'll have something. It's not as bad as it could be. I am at least able to contribute in some ways."
Aside from their defensive line, the Patriots submitted a long injury report this week. Linebacker Tedy Bruschi (knee), special teamer Ray Ventrone (jaw), and guard Billy Yates (hand) are all out for tomorrow's game.
Linebacker Gary Guyton (ankle), offensive tackle Mark LeVoir (ankle), cornerback Deltha O'Neal (ankle), outside linebacker Vince Redd (ankle), safety James Sanders (abdomen), and defensive back Lewis Sanders (shoulder) are all questionable. Tackle Matt Light (shoulder), cornerback Ellis Hobbs (shoulder), and nose tackle Vince Wilfork (shoulder) are probable.
"It feels good," Sanders said. "Being a football player you hate to be on the sideline watching your teammates on the field, so it's just [good] to be back on the field with them; even if it was only [practice] on Wednesday, so far it felt good."
Sanders actually hurt himself the week before the Seattle game, against Pittsburgh. (The team originally called his ailment a rib injury.) Sanders tried to play against the Seahawks, anyway, but had to leave. This week, he'll try again, confident he can play.
"I believe so," Sanders said. "But we'll find out if I get the opportunity to step on the field, in between those lines [tomorrow]."
"We take a lot of pride in our special teams around here," said special teams ace Larry Izzo. "There's a big emphasis on it. I don't get caught up in stats, but to be up there in any category is something that we're always striving for."
The Patriots offense has benefited most in recent weeks, particularly early in games. Over their last four games, the Patriots have scored seven first-half touchdowns on drives of 55 yards or fewer.
"The last few weeks have been nice," guard Logan Mankins said. "It's easy to score touchdowns when you have that kind of field position."
Said Warren: "Everything goes hand-in-hand. It's a domino effect type of deal. We do what we need to do. The offense does what they need to do. Field position has been real good these past several weeks."
Mike Reiss and Christopher L. Gasper of the Globe staff contributed to this report.
