3 downgraded
The Patriots have downgraded the following players to out for Sunday night's game:
RG Stephen Neal
S Eugene Wilson
ILB Eric Alexander
Neal, who is the team's starting right guard, had been on the injury report due to his shoulder. He missed the second, third and fourth games this season, but had returned to start the last five contests. He is likely to be replaced by Russ Hochstein, the seven-year veteran who has started three games this season as a top backup (2 at right guard, 1 at center). This also means that Billy Yates (1 start at right guard), who has been inactive for three of the last four games, will likely be active Sunday night.
Wilson (ankle) and Alexander (knee) had not been spotted at practice throughout the week and were not expected to play.
WR Wes Welker and OLB Mike Vrabel, both of whom had been limited in practice with the reason listed as "team decision", have made the trip to Buffalo.
So then we can assume Welker is playing???
They probably limited his practice reps to give BB and staff a chance to evaluate Troy Brown and Chad Jackson.
yes
I guess this is the start of managing our players for the post season. I really could care less about 19-0 as long as we win in AZ in Feb. Think how much the loss of Freeney has pretty much madie it so the Colts can't win the big one now. Just like the Sox, who shut down Oki, and Manny/Schill's absence, they all benefited in the post season. I tihnk Welker sitting down (if he does) is fine. Same with the NFL Defensive player of the year (Vrabes).
Welker is one of the top dog's on my FF team this year. This smoke and mirrors with Bellicheck's vague injury reports is killing me here ?????
This is a game where injured players should be held out and rested.
Let the backups play
I'm starting to suspect Eugene Wilson will never play in a Patriots uniform again.
This is a division game - not preseason. Perspective.
Trade him Pete and find a FF site
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