News Patriots Team Notes

[New England Patriots]

Patriots links 12/19/25: Pats-Ravens matchups, Keys to victory

TEAM TALK

• Patriots-Ravens updated Injury Report.
• Mike Dussault‘s Three to Watch: Patriots look to rebound vs. Ravens on Sunday Night Football.
• Alexandra Francisco has the story of Christian Gonzalez partnering with the Patriots Foundation to host a Winter Wonderland Party for kids, with a great turnout from his teammates.
• Press Conferences: Jaylinn Hawkins – Josh McDaniels – Jeremy Springer – Zak Kuhr, Mike Smith, and Justin Hamilton.
• One-on-One with Andy Borregales. (3 min. video)
• Patriots All Access interview: Morgan Moses. (2 min. video)
• Scouting the Matchups: Mike Dussault and Evan Lazar break down Patriots at Ravens in Week 16. (10 min. video)
• Patriots Unfiltered: Ravens preview, Injury updates, Week 16 NFL picks. (2 hours)

LOCAL LINKS

• Thomas Murphy gives us the Monster Keys to a Patriots victory over the Ravens. 1. An entire roll of quarters. Quarters is the perfect defense for stopping the Ravens; More.
• Steve Balestrieri posts his Patriots-Ravens key matchups: Clogging the passing lanes in the middle of the field and slowing down the tight ends is imperative this week.
• Chad Finn‘s Unconventional Preview: The Patriots get a chance to lock up a playoff berth against a proud Ravens team clinging to its postseason hopes.
• Karen Guregian explains Mike Vrabel and Josh McDaniels are fine, but the Patriots have a play-calling puzzle to solve. Success on Sunday night will call on McDaniels to beat the possible defensive blueprint the Bills provided.
• Mark Daniels finds that the Patriots defense is eager to prove their second-half collapse was an anomaly.
• Alex Barth‘s Friday Five Things: Patriots will have chances to right wrongs against Ravens.
• Andrew Callahan‘s Week 16 thoughts: Why the Patriots’ luck will change soon, an old problem resurfaces and more. “…the Patriots’ passing game is not exactly thriving versus man coverage. For a time, the combination of Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas, deep balls to Kayshon Boutte and Maye scrambles solved this. But Maye is rushing less, Boutte isn’t seeing many targets, Douglas is barely playing and Diggs’ snap counts are now reflective of a rotational player.”
• Doug Kyed details how the injury-depleted Patriots defense can improve against the run.
• Mark Daniels says LB Christian Elliss returned to practice on Thursday, after missing the first session of the week due to an illness.
• Mike D’Abate reports four starters on defense remain sidelined ahead of Week 16.
• Jennifer Streeter notes the Patriots will unveil an all-white look during their upcoming matchup in Baltimore.
• Mark Daniels looks into the superstitions of the Patriots receivers: How color-coordinated outfits built team chemistry.
• Lauren Campbell reports Jakobi Meyers just got a contract extension with the Jags six weeks after trade.
• John Rooke asks, “Did New England fans jump on the Patriots’ bandwagon a bit too early?” /Article is behind a paywall (so I did not read it) but the ridiculous headline makes my head hurt.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Mike Vrabel: We know what a huge challenge Derrick Henry will be.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Nine teams can clinch playoff spots in Week 16. Patriots included.
• Matt Verderame (SI) Key matchups, predictions for NFL Week 16 games. Pats win 27-20. /Click for the Pats-Ravens commentary.
• Jordan Dajani & Jared Dubin (CBS Sports) NFL Week 16 picks: Our experts face off on Patriots at Ravens and More. Dajani: Pats win 28-21, Dubin: Ravens win 24-20. /Click for commentary.
• Anthony Dabbundo (The Ringer) The best NFL bets for Week 16 with Division title stakes on the line. Patriots at Ravens: “…Patriots don’t really need this game, as they just need to win their final two games of the season against the floundering Dolphins and Jets to clinch the AFC East title. But this is another excellent measuring-stick game to help us figure out the real quality of New England’s defense. … I’m trusting Baltimore at home in a high-leverage spot against the weak Pats defense.” More.
• Multiple Contributors (ESPN) NFL Week 16 picks, predictions, schedule, odds, More. All three pick Pats to win. /Click for Pats-Ravens commentary.
• Ali Bhanpuri, et al (NFL.com) NFL Week 16 picks: Upset and score predictions, matchup analysis for every game. Three of five pick Pats to win.
• Garrett Podell (CBS Sports) Week 16 QB power rankings. Drake Maye No. 2. /Click for the commentary.
• Nick Shook (NFL.com) NFL QB rankings, Week 16. Drake Maye No. 3.
• Cameron Filipe (Football Zebras) Week 16 referee assignments. Pats-Ravens: Brad Rodgers. ‘Rodgers’ crew is known for calling relatively fewer penalties compared to some others, with tendencies toward more offensive and special teams flags, with high rates of offensive pass interference calls in recent years.‘
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) The takeaway from last night’s 2-point craziness: Go get the ball.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ks-12-19-25-pats-ravens-matchups-keys-victory

 

[New England Patriots]

5 questions and answers about Patriots vs. Ravens

For a short while in the late 2000s and early 2010s, the rivalry between the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens was one of the fiercest in all of football. However, in the years since both teams have changed dramatically and their meetings both in the regular season and the playoffs have become scarce.

On Sunday night, we will get to see another such meeting. To find out more about the Patriots’ Week 16 opponent, we spoke with Nikhil Mehta of Pats Pulpit’s sister site Baltimore Beatdown, the SB Nation community for all things Ravens.

Here is what he told us about the upcoming game and opponent.

1. Lamar Jackson has battled multiple lower-body injuries this season. Have these affected his play or the way he’s been deployed?

Jackson’s multiple injuries have greatly affected his play this season. He has started to look more like his usual self in the past few games, but for a large portion of the season, Jackson has been a shell of the player we have become accustomed to watching. His mobility took a major hit, which has lead more sacks since he has been unable to avoid defenders and extend plays like normal, as well as far fewer designed runs compared to previous seasons. Jackson is currently set to finish with by far the least rushing yards he has had in a season.

2. Has anyone managed to slow down the Ravens’ run game with Jackson and Derrick Henry in the backfield? If so, how can the Patriots replicate that formula?

As mentioned above, the Ravens have not used as many designed quarterback runs, which has reduced the threat of Jackson’s legs. As a result, opposing defenses can focus on Henry, specifically with backside defenders crashing down the line of scrimmage to slow him up. The Browns, Lions, and Texans all did this effectively by playing aggressive, downhill football. That only works if, as has been the case for much of the season, the Ravens’ passing offense is not on point. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has also pivoted away from the run game multiple times this season despite favorable matchups. In the last few weeks, he’s been willing to stick with it well into the second half regardless of the score. While early success against the Ravens might reduce their run rate, the Patriots will need to hang tough in the second half when punishing runs from Henry can hurt even more.

Ultimately, it’s all about winning early downs. If the Patriots can force incompletions and short gains on first and second down, the Ravens will be forced into more pure dropback situations that turns their dynamic offense into a one-dimensional one. That will allow the Patriots’ pass rushers to tee off against an offensive line that has faltered in pass protection many times this season, and it will also take away the most consistent part of Baltimore’s offense.

3. What’s contributed to the Ravens’ impressive defensive turnaround? How will they replace CB Chidobe Awuzie?

Multiple factors have contributed to Baltimore’s defensive turnaround this season. The biggest change has been the deployment of Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage, whether that be as a slot defender or as a dimeback. The Ravens trading for safety Alohi Gilman from the Chargers gave the defense the personnel needed to allow Hamilton to move around while maintaining quality play on the backend of the defense alongside rookie Malaki Starks. Trading for Dre’Mont Jones has been another major factor for the defense as the veteran has provided a nice boost to what was a desperately lacking pass rush.

4. Who’s one under-the-radar Ravens player Patriots fans should know on both sides of the ball?

I am not sure if Keaton Mitchell qualifies as ‘under-the-radar’ anymore; if so, he is the one to watch. Otherwise, I’d look at second-year running back Rasheen Ali, who has largely taken over Justice Hill’s role as the Ravens’ third-down back. Ali has been solid in pass protection and flashed as a receiver with reliable hands and explosive burst to quickly get upfield. Jackson seems to trust him, too; he changed a play at the line of scrimmage against the Bengals that resulted in a 30-yard catch-and-run score for Ali and found him on multiple other occasions as an outlet underneath.

On defense, second-year cornerback T.J. Tampa could step into a big role with Chidobe Awuzie out. Tampa was pegged as a potential starter entering the offseason but was quickly bumped down the depth chart by the signings of Awuzie and Jaire Alexander. Alexander’s injury issues and eventual departure kept Tampa as the third outside cornerback for much of the year, and he has held up well when asked to play. He will have a tough task against Drake Maye on Sunday, but his awareness and skills at the catch point could be a factor.

5. What are three quick keys to the Patriots pulling off a road upset and avoiding their second straight loss?

1. Be opportunistic. The Ravens have a horrible habit of committing turnovers at the worst moments, often because of bad ball security. The Patriots have to take advantage of those opportunities on both sides of the ball: on defense by forcing turnovers and on offense by converting them into consistent points. Baltimore’s defense has largely stood firm in the red zone after turnovers, but they have struggled to hold up for an entire game without support from their offense.

2. Protect the ball. In that same vein, the Ravens post-bye success has come on the back of their defense, and specifically, their timely takeaways. If the Patriots can force the Ravens offense to generate their yardage/points without help from turnovers and field position, they will have a much easier time containing Jackson and Co.

3. Play harder, for longer. This is a classic Mike Vrabel ethos, and it is one that applies best to the Ravens. Baltimore has consistently been on the wrong side of time-of-possession and play-count disparities, and though that did not hurt them last week, it has in several other games. In the second half, the Patriots need to maintain their physicality and keep bringing the fight to what will probably be a tired Ravens defense.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...4/ravens-nfl-week-16-expert-questions-answers

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots fans remain undeterred heading into Ravens game

With the AFC East title within reach, the New England Patriots suffered a major collapse last Sunday against the Buffalo Bills. The 35-31 defeat, which at one point saw the Patriots up by three touchdowns, cost the team a chance at wrapping up the division early.

And yet, fans remain confident that they will eventually get the job done. As a look at the results from the latest SB Nation Reacts survey shows, 75% of participants still believe that the Patriots will end up as division champions for the first time since 2019.

In order to do so, a win on Sunday night against the Baltimore Ravens would be helpful. Fans are also optimistic that that will happen, although they do expect a close game: 65% see a one-score affair, with 41% picking New England to win on the road.

The comment section also reflects those feelings:

RJB33
I think they will.
The Pats may very well lose to the Ravens, and back-to-back losses will lead to some panic and soul-searching. But playing the Jets, historically, is an excellent antidote to a crisis of confidence. And right now, the Dolphins look like a mess; I’d been starting to worry about them as they played better over the last few weeks, but now they’re eliminated from the playoffs and benching Tua.
If the game was in Miami, I’d still worry. Weird things always happen to the Pats in Miami! But a home game against 7th round draftee Quinn Ewers? No offense, but I’m not that worried.
Closing out the year with two straight wins will leave the Pats 13-4 and with the tiebreaker even if Buffalo wins out. Where they go from there, I shouldn’t hazard a guess. If we end up playing Houston’s defense in Round One, maybe not far. But it would still be a spectacular season against expectations, and yes, it would mean the divisional title returning to Foxborough.

Ricky Hot Pants
I think they will also. But as far as beating the Ravens this week…I just don’t know. “Don’t Know” should have been a choice in the survey. Which Patriots team shows up? The 30 minute or the 60 minute?

TDDsDad
Yes, yes, and less than one TD. I think that Vrabel will get the team’s collective heads out of their collective asses and they play competitive football for 60 minutes for a change. It will come down to whoever has the ball last.

Sportzballer
Yes. Yes. More than one.
I do think the Patriots are going generally in the right direction. However, the is is still way too binary. The main trajectory of the team is going the right way. However, I have a few concerns about the trade deadline. I have more concerns about injuries, which are simply poor luck. I’m afraid the oversimplified poll might lead to more oversimplified analyses. The why is more important than the results.
The division shouldn’t even be the question it currently is given the wins lead we had over the Bills. It’s a shame we let them back into the hunt, but I still think we hold them off to win the AFC East. My primary concerns are postseason related.
The Ravens are kind of a mess. I don’t think a Patriots team motivated by a recent loss will lose to them.

All in all, this week’s survey results look as follows:

Even though the Patriots blew their chance at clinching the AFC East last week, fan confidence in the team remains fairly high. While down 4% from last week and a total of 8% since before their bye week, a 91% approval rate for the team’s direction is still strong.

For comparison, only six other teams are ranked higher heading into Week 16. Not among those are the Bills’ (51%) and Ravens’ (22%) fan bases.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-week-16-results-ravens-sunday-night-football

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Ravens highlights: 9 moments that defined the Pats’ win

The New England Patriots are back in the win column thanks to a 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night. The victory, which helped New England secure a spot in the NFL playoffs for the first time since 2021, was hard-earned and saw the team overcome an 11-point deficit in the early fourth quarter.

Here is a Patriots-centric view at some of the key moments of the game.

Moment No. 1: Here we go again​

Derrick Henry's 117th career rushing TD!

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/63luTxitUR

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

The Patriots defense couldn’t stop a nose bleed in the second half against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday, and things did not start any better against the Ravens. After receiving the opening kickoff, it took Baltimore only five plays to cover 65 yards and find the end zone on a 21-yard untouched Derrick Henry touchdown.

Moment No. 2: Red zone issues revisited​

Marlon Humphrey picks off Drake Maye!

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/8HQQe2GUE8

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

Like the Ravens, the Patriots had some success on their opening possession. However, while they managed to drive into the Baltimore red zone their series found a quick and disappointing end: facing a 3rd-and-14, Drake Maye escaped the pocket to his right only to throw an interception to cornerback Marlon Humphrey with wide receiver Kayshon Boutte in the vicinity.

Moment No. 3: Momentum-changing fumble​

Hawkins knocks the ball loose from Henry for the turnover

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/dEZa8NZFCG

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

After registering just three takeaways in their last six games, New England’s defense was able to get a big one in the late first quarter. While trying to fight for extra yards, Ravens running back Derrick Henry got the ball punched out on a gang tackle by Jaylinn Hawkins and Carlton Davis. Fellow Patriots DB Craig Woodson fell onto the ball for the recovery, preventing Baltimore from potentially going up by multiple scores.

Moment No. 4: Complementary football​

Maye to Henry to tie it up!

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/e2kloG2JrQ

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

The Patriots took full advantage of their fumble recovery, driving down the field in 10 plays to score their first points of the night. Selling a handoff to Rhamondre Stevenson, Drake Maye found Hunter Henry wide open in the end zone for a 1-yard touchdown to tie the game.

Moment No. 5: Opportunity wasted​

Ar'Darius Washington forces the Drake Maye fumble before half

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/iAZblTUjXD

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

The Patriots had a chance to get the upper hand at the end of the first half, moving into Andy Borregales’ field goal range for a fourth time. However, just like the first of those opportunities, New England came up empty-handed: Drake Maye was sacked from behind, coughing the ball up in the process. The Ravens fell on the fumble for their second takeaway of the game.

Moment No. 6: Fake gone wrong​

The Patriots fake punt cannot convert!

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/FN6q20LMae

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

Facing a 4th-and-10 down four points in the late third quarter, and with the Ravens down to their backup quarterback, the Patriots decided to make a head-scratching decision. Instead of punting the ball, they ran a fake with personal protector Marte Mapu trying to execute a pass. However, the play was doomed from the start and Mapu eventually unable to salvage it. Seven plays later, the Ravens scored a touchdown to go up 24-13.

Moment No. 7: Big-play rookie​

DRAKE MAYE TO KYLE WILLIAMS.

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— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

Down 11 points, the Patriots were in dire need of some offensive momentum. They found it in the form of a big touchdown pass from Drake Maye to Kyle Williams. New England’s quarterback hit the rookie down the right sideline for a 36-yard score. While not the most actively-involved member of the team’s wide receiver group, Williams has now caught three touchdowns on the season and is averaging 30 yards per catch. For Maye, meanwhile, the score put him over 300 yards in a game for the first time in his career.

Moment No. 8: Statement drive​

When the Patriots took over with 5:02 left in the game, they were still down three points. While that meant a field goal would tie the game, they had their sights set on victory. And a big fourth-down catch by wide receiver Stefon Diggs helped them accomplish that goal.

Maye. Diggs. 4th down. Clutch.

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/6qywqsJnCi

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

Diggs’ 21-yard gain on 4th-and-2 proved to be pivotal moment for the Patriots. Instead of potentially giving the ball back to Baltimore in promising field position, they moved deep into Ravens territory with a chance at a go-ahead touchdown. Just two plays later, that is precisely what they got.

RHAMONDRE FOR THE LEAD.

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/VzcKV8z7Wd

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

The Patriots relied heavily on Rhamondre Stevenson against the Ravens, especially after rookie TreVeyon Henderson was lost to a head injury in the second quarter. Stevenson finished the game with eight carries for 51 yards, and also found the end zone twice: first on a two-point conversion after the Kyle Williams TD, and then on a 21-yard run to put New England up by four just outside the two-minute warning.

Moment No. 9: Game clinched​

CHAISSON FORCES THE FUMBLE.

NEvsBAL on NBC
Stream on @NFLPlus + Peacock pic.twitter.com/k1qFLyors9

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2025

The Patriots defense collapsed in the second half against Buffalo last Sunday, but they held firm versus the Ravens. Tasked with preserving a four-point lead inside the two-minute warning, the unit delivered: on one of the better hustle plays you will see, K’Lavon Chaisson turned from pass rusher to pursuit player to force a Zay Flowers fumble that was recovered by Marcus Jones, giving the Patriots the ball and a chance to run out the clock.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...l-week-16-ravens-highlights-key-moments-recap

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Ravens: The good, the bad, the s—t that gets you beat

Ahead of this year’s training camp, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel explained that he was looking at his team’s performances in three distinct categories. There is the good, the bad, and, as he called it, the s—t that gets you beat.

The Patriots’ 28-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night featured a little bit of it all. So, if the coach wants to look at his team through all three of those categories, who are we to disagree? Let’s break down the Week 16 game in exactly that manner.

The good: Crunch time performance​

All the Patriots might have needed last week against the Buffalo Bills was one more stop or one more big play on offense. They got neither, and eventually saw a 21-0 lead slip out of their grasp and turn into their third loss of the season.

The Patriots were in a different situation on Sunday against Baltimore, but the circumstances were similar. One or two plays going the other way could have made all the difference in the end. This time, though, they managed to make those plays to erase what had become a 24-13 deficit in the early the fourth quarter.

The offense produced back-to-back touchdown drives, while the defense came up with some crucial stops and a key turnover to help seal the deal. In a sense, the crunch time performance was therefore the polar opposite of last week’s outing.

“It says everything about this team,” said outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson. “Last week, we missed an opportunity to prove that. It was a quick turnaround to make sure that we capitalized and finished this game. It’s all about the will and the want to as a defense, and it was all about making a play when it was your turn to make a play. It’s always exciting for these opportunities to show up big in the big moments.”

“I think it was good to be in a game like this where we battled, and it was tied, and we got down, and momentum kind of shifted the other way, then our guys battled back,” said Mike Vrabel. “We got stops. Offense continued to attack. Our quarterback battled. Our receivers came through and the runners. I felt like it was a big team win. It’s a huge team win.”

The bad: That fake punt​

All season long, the Patriots have benefitted from some sound in-game decision making from their coaching staff. Sunday, however, saw what could have turned out to be a costly call: running a fake punt with 2:01 left in the third quarter.

Personal protector Marte Mapu received the snap from rookie Julian Ashby and was supposed to throw the ball toward the opposite hash and fullback Jack Westover. However, Baltimore reacted well and Mapu was forced to improvise. It went poorly, leading to a turnover on downs that set up a Ravens touchdown seven plays later.

The execution was one thing. The decision to call the play in the first place is an entirely different discussion, and one that warrants scrutiny given the game situation.

Not only were the Patriots trailing by only four points, they also were going up against a Ravens offense that had lost its starting quarterback, Lamar Jackson, to injury. Sure, backup Tyler Huntley had led the team to a touchdown on his previous drive, and hindsight is 20/20, but New England playing the field position game seemingly would have been a better choice in this particular instance.

It did not hurt them in the end, but the gamble did make the challenge a tougher one all around.

The s—t that gets you beat: Run defense​

Going up against a Ravens rushing attack averaging an NFL-high 5.2 yards per carry entering the game, the Patriots’ issues versus the run were on full display yet again. On the opening drive, Baltimore marched right down the field before scoring a 21-yard Derrick Henry touchdown.

That play set the tone for the rest of the game. Baltimore ended the game with 172 rushing yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per rush. Even with Henry losing a fumble in the first quarter, the Ravens posted 0.07 expected points added per run and a success rate of 48% — both in the 80+ percentiles in the respective categories.

Of course, the Patriots’ personnel issues. did not make the task any easier. Besides missing defensive tackle Milton Williams missing a fourth and possibly final game on injured reserve, New England also lost Khyiris Tonga and Joshua Farmer to injury. In addition, linebacker Robert Spillane was inactive for the game because of an ankle issue.

Getting all of them back should help the unit rebound after some rough outings. That said, individual performances at the point of attack or at the second and third levels also need to improve; stopping the run is a team undertaking, and the team has had its ups and downs.

“We’re going to learn from it because there was a lot of stuff that we could’ve cleaned up,” said safety Jaylinn Hawkins, who punched the ball out from Henry on that aforementioned fumble. “There was a lot of stuff we could’ve done better, and even though it’s better with a win, we’ll always learn from the good and bad.”

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/117048/good-bad-ugly-ravens-nfl-week-16

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots place tight end Thomas Odukoya on practice squad’s injured reserve

The 17th member of the New England Patriots’ practice squad has been sidelined.

The organization placed tight end Thomas Odukoya on injured reserve to begin the week, with follow-up moves expected after Sunday night’s 28-24 battle of attrition at M&T Bank Stadium against the Baltimore Ravens.

Odukoya, 28, joined the practice squad in Foxborough in October with an exemption through the NFL’s International Player Pathway. The Netherlands native signed with a familiar Tennessee Titans coaching staff as an undrafted free agent back in 2022.

After spending two full seasons on the practice squad in Nashville, Odukoya outlasted the league’s 53-man roster deadline out of training camp in 2024. The 6-foot-6, 253-pound tight end made two appearances from there, seeing 27 snaps on special teams through multiple transactions. Earlier this campaign, however, he cleared waivers in the AFC South shortly after being promoted back from the practice squad.

That set the wheels in motion for a reunion.

“He’s continued to improve, great teammate, practices extremely hard,” past and present head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters in the fall. “He’s improved — was a very good blocker — but has improved just his overall body control and ability to run routes for a wide tight end. It’s not like some receiving tight end, but he knows what his role is. He contributes on special teams, and he’s gotten better. We just weren’t able to get him before.”

Odukoya began his United States football journey at West Hills-Coalinga and Garden City Community College before becoming a team captain and a third-team All-MAC selection at Eastern Michigan. He now joins running back Craig Reynolds and linebacker Darius Harris on the New England practice squad’s injured reserve.

The club restored running back Jashaun Corbin from the list midway through December.

The New York Jets host next Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...s-odukoya-practice-squad-injured-reserve-list

 

[New England Patriots]

Khyiris Tonga injury update: Patriots DT receives promising news

Exiting in the second quarter because of a foot injury, Khyiris Tonga was unable to finish the New England Patriots’ game against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday. However, the veteran defensive tackle should not be sidelined for long.

According to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Tonga is dealing with “a one- or two-week injury.” If this timeline turns out to be accurate, the 29-year-old should be available again no later than the Patriots’ first playoff game.

Tonga has been a valuable player for New England since arriving on a one-year, $2.1 million contract in March. The BYU product has appeared in 14 games with eight starts for the club so far, playing 37.4% of defensive snaps and registering 24 tackles. In addition, he also has been a regular on special teams (16.9%) and even has been used as a big-bodied fullback (1.4%).

When he left the Patriots’ 28-24 win over the Ravens, Tonga became the latest defensive lineman to suffer an injury. Rookie Joshua Farmer hurt his hamstring earlier in that game and has since been placed on injured reserve, while Milton Williams remains on IR.

Williams, however, is nearing a comeback. His return would be good news in light of the Tonga and Farmer injuries.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...a-update-latest-news-defense-nfl-week-17-jets

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots Power Rankings: High-stakes win boosts Pats up Santa’s Nice list

Here it is at the end of 2025 and I still can’t get over the turnaround from where we were last year. The Patriots were 3-12 heading into Week 17 and fans were rooting hard for a 3-14 finish to secure the overall No. 1 seed in the draft. That plan went about as well as anything else the team tried to do that year. A win over the Bills in the final game of the season dropped them to No. 4, but I’m not complaining. This season has been the polar opposite. New England had to be really bad for a couple years and hit bottom before it could rebound — and what a glorious recovery it’s been.

Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye and company have made football fun again. Frankly, that’s pretty much all I wanted on my NFL Christmas list this year, for the Patriots to be on a solid track back to relevancy. Fans have already received so much that anything more — like snagging the AFC East title from Buffalo (so close we can touch it), maybe being the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and then winning a playoff game or two (or three) — is gravy.

Good things are all back on the table now, as the Pats prepare for a 3-12 Jets team that has lost their last 3 games by at least 23 points – and just lost QB Justin Fields to Injured Reserve. Meanwhile New England is a perfect 7-0 on the road. I have no doubt Mike Vrabel will be reminding his players about the big picture this week, needing to stay focused and not taking any wins for granted. Here’s to the Pats taking care of business at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, and I’m putting in a special request for no new injuries. Please, please, please Santa!

GO PATS!!

Around the AFC East:

New England Patriots (12-3) at New York Jets (3-12)

Buffalo Bills (11-4) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)

Miami Dolphins (6-9) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)

AFC Matchups:

Denver Broncos (12-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at Indianapolis Colts (8-6)

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) at Cleveland Browns (3-12)

Los Angeles Chargers (11-4) vs. Houston Texans (10-5)

Baltimore Ravens (7-8) at Green Bay Packers (9-5-1)

Cincinnati Bengals (5-10) vs. Arizona Cardinals (3-12)

Tennessee Titans (3-12) vs. New Orleans Saints (5-10)

Las Vegas Raiders (2-13) vs. New York Giants (2-13)

2nd – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports): Drake Maye’s showing vs. the Ravens helps his MVP chances. Coming back from 11 points down is a good sign for this young team as they ready for the playoffs. [+2]

2nd – Eric Edholm (NFL.com): Down 11 points in the fourth quarter, on the road, with several key players injured, Drake Maye and the Patriots refused to die. Maye caught fire in the final quarter, leading two long touchdown drives, with Rhamondre Stevenson’s TD romp giving the Pats a lead they wouldn’t relinquish. The comeback win clinched a playoff berth for New England, moving the team into a dominant position to also claim the AFC East crown in the next two weeks. Losing Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate TreVeyon Henderson (concussion protocol) for any length of time would be a worry, and as mentioned above, that wasn’t the only notable health setback the Pats suffered in the game. They’re very thin on both lines of scrimmage right now but should eventually get help from players returning from IR, including OT Will Campbell and DT Milton Williams. They’ll be warmly welcomed back to a team that has outplayed all expectations and will be a fascinating case study in the postseason. [+3]

2nd – Ralph Vacchiano (FOX Sports): Drake Maye’s MVP candidacy went into overdrive with a 380-yard, 2-touchdown performance and comeback against the Ravens. Now they might have a chance to clinch the AFC East next week. [+2]

2nd – Vinnie Iyer (Sporting News): The Patriots went into more of an offensive slump in Baltimore with Drake Maye cooling and being contained again, putting their chances of stealing the AFC East in serious jeopardy. [+1] /Scratching my head over this one.

4th – Frank Schwab (Yahoo! Sports): It’s not like the Patriots blew out the Ravens, who didn’t have Lamar Jackson for most of the game, but a loss would have made things a little more worrisome for them in the AFC East race. The Patriots won and their chances to win the AFC East race are at 80.9% with two games to play, via DVOA. They still have a 31.3% shot at the No. 1 seed too. It wasn’t the easiest win, but Drake Maye’s monster 380-yard game saved them from a rough loss. [nc]

4th – NFL Nation (ESPN): Rookie of the year: Running back TreVeyon Henderson. He leads the team with 776 rushing yards on 146 carries (5.3 average), and has eight total touchdowns. Rookie left guard Jared Wilson described Henderson’s big-play threat this way: “Any time he touches the ball, it could end up in the end zone.” Henderson has four touchdown runs of 50 yards or more. The Patriots might be without him this week, however, as he exited Sunday’s game in the second quarter because of a concussion and didn’t return. — Mike Reiss. [nc]

4th – Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk): The loss to Buffalo was a wake-up call. [+1]

5th – Nate Davis (USA Today): QB Drake Maye had his first 300-yard passing game (380 actually) Sunday night, which included a career-high 31 completions. Definitely feels like the right time to put more on his plate. [+1]

5th – Conor Orr (SI): I was struck watching the Patriots’ post-game interview how in line the entire team was—even Stefon Diggs. He deliberately sidestepped a question about the team’s playoff aspirations in a toned-down Q&A that revealed the totality of the Vrabel effect for me. It’s simply bigger than one person. [+1]

5th – Diante Lee (The Ringer): The Patriots are ready for the playoffs. New England didn’t see the best version of Baltimore on Sunday night—especially after QB Lamar Jackson exited with a back injury—but we still saw an inexperienced Patriots team ward off the Ravens in a game with major stakes. After Baltimore’s defense sold out to stop New England’s run game, QB Drake Maye put the offense on his shoulders. His efficiency in the fourth quarter didn’t just get the job done this week, it’ll be the reason why the Patriots win games in the playoffs. [+1]

AVG RANK: 3.5 [-1.2]

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...nkings-high-stakes-rwin-boosts-pats-jets-week

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Jets Wednesday injury report: Eight sidelined for New England

The New England Patriots began preparations for the New York Jets without eight.

Wide receivers Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, tight end C.J. Dippre, guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Khyris Tonga, linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, as well as cornerback Carlton Davis III remained sidelined during Christmas Eve’s practice in Foxborough.

But the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month joined the limited.

Here’s the first injury report ahead of Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

Patriots​

• WR Mack Hollins (abdomen)
• WR Kayshon Boutte (concussion protocol)
• TE C.J. Dippre (illness)
• G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
• DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
• LB Harold Landry III (knee)
• LB Robert Spillane (ankle)
• CB Carlton Davis III (illness)

Jets​

• QB Justin Fields (knee — IR)
• TE Mason Taylor (neck)
• DT Jay Tufele (foot)
• DE Will McDonald IV (knee)
• LB Kiko Mauigoa (neck)

At running back, wide receiver and along the interior offensive line, a series of signings have been made since three members of New England’s active roster entered the NFL’s concussion protocol. Sunday night’s 28-24 win at M&T Bank Stadium spanned double-digit visits to the blue medical tent. And also several visits to the locker room.

Meanwhile, Spillane was inactive for the matchup due to an ankle injury that has kept him out for back-to-back games. Barring a “Christmas miracle,” Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that the linebacker, captain and tackle leader wouldn’t be practicing this week.

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• RB TreVeyon Henderson (concussion protocol)
• WR DeMario Douglas (hamstring)
• OT Morgan Moses (knee)
• OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee)
• DT Milton Williams (ankle — IR return)
• LB Anfernee Jennings (ankle)
• CB Charles Woods (foot)

Jets​

• QB Tyrod Taylor (knee)
• DT Harrison Phillips (knee)

While two starters in concussion protocol were absent for the Patriots, Henderson practiced in a red non-contact jersey. The No. 38 overall pick out of Ohio State was among seven partial participants on Wednesday after being ruled out last weekend.

The Patriots also opened the week by opening the 21-day window for Williams. The four-year, $104 million defensive lineman is eligible to be activated in time for the AFC East trip to East Rutherford after missing four games with a high ankle sprain. Handling a career-high 60.98 percent of the defensive snaps prior to landing on injured reserve in November, his campaign has spanned 11 starts, 27 tackles and 3.5 sacks. It’s also spanned eight quarterback hits, seven stops for loss and one batted pass.

FULL PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• No players listed

Jets​

• DE Eric Watts (concussion protocol)

No Patriots working back from ailments graduated to full participation on Wednesday, while a sophomore defensive end went in that capacity for the Jets.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...rt-eight-sidelined-treveyon-henderson-limited

 

[New England Patriots]

Robert Spillane injury update: Mike Vrabel shares news on Patriots LB

The New England Patriots are facing several injury questions heading into their Week 17 matchup with the New York Jets. One of them was answered by head coach Mike Vrabel on Wednesday.

Barring any divine intervention, Vrabel does not see ailing linebacker Robert Spillane return to practice this week.

“I don’t. Unless we get a Christmas miracle — Tiny Tim starts walking or something,” Vrabel told reporters at Gillette Stadium.

Joining the Patriots as a free agent in March, Spillane has served as the team’s No. 1 linebacker and a defensive. leader dating back to the offseason. The team captain went on to start New England’s first 13 games of the season and, while playing 95.4% of snaps, registered a team-leading 97 tackles as well as a pair of interceptions.

However, he suffered a foot injury leading up to the Patriots’ Week 15 game against the Buffalo Bills. The ailment limited him in two practices and subsequently forced him to watch the entire contest from the sidelines despite being made active as an emergency-only option.

Spillane later was spotted with a walking boot on his left foot and was unable to participate in any of the three practices ahead of New England’s trip to Baltimore in Week 16. He was officially ruled out for that particular contest because of an ankle issue.

Earlier this week, the 30-year-old was caught in the locker room without his protective boot. While seemingly a positive development, his return timeline remains unclear at this point in time.

The Patriots will travel to New York this weekend to take on the Jets in an AFC East battle. Kickoff in the Meadowlands is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...jury-update-mike-vrabel-practice-week-17-jets

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Jets Thursday injury report: No changes to the projection

The New England Patriots spent Christmas Day away from the practice fields.

But the same eight would have been non-participants in Foxborough based on the team’s projection. That sidelined group includes wide receivers Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, tight end C.J. Dippre, guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackle Khyris Tonga, linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane, as well as cornerback Carlton Davis III.

Here’s the second injury report leading up to Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET visit with the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium.

DID NOT PARTICIPATE​

Patriots​

• WR Mack Hollins (abdomen)
• WR Kayshon Boutte (concussion protocol)
• TE C.J. Dippre (illness)
• G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
• DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
• LB Harold Landry III (knee)
• LB Robert Spillane (ankle)
• CB Carlton Davis III (illness)

Jets​

• TE Mason Taylor (neck)
• DT Jay Tufele (foot)
• DE Will McDonald IV (knee)
• LB Kiko Mauigoa (neck)

Friday’s practice will provide a clearer picture for the Patriots. As will the game designations that follow. But the early forecast points toward Boutte and Wilson not being available for the AFC East rematch in East Rutherford while working through the NFL’s concussion protocol. The starting left guard played all 74 snaps in last weekend’s matchup M&T Bank Stadium, while starting wide receiver landed hard in the fourth quarter after a no-call for defensive pass interference.

On the other side of the ball, Tonga suffered a foot injury during the 28-24 win. The three-phase defensive tackle appears in line to miss time. And more time is in line to be missed by Spillane. The linebacker, captain and tackle leader has not taken the field for back-to-back Sundays because of an ankle injury.

LIMITED PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• RB TreVeyon Henderson (concussion protocol)
• WR DeMario Douglas (hamstring)
• OT Morgan Moses (knee)
• OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee)
• DT Milton Williams (ankle — IR return)
• LB Anfernee Jennings (ankle)
• CB Charles Woods (foot)

Jets​

• QB Tyrod Taylor (knee)
• DT Harrison Phillips (knee)

Further along in the protocol, Christmas Eve saw Henderson practice with a red non-contact jersey. The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month had been downgraded to out after halftime last weekend, finishing with a dozen scrimmage yards. He stands among an estimated seven limited participants for New England. That tally remains unchanged.

Douglas, Moses, Munford, Jennings and Woods all joined the injury report after an AFC playoff berth was clinched. But a 21-day window to return from injured reserve recently opened, as well.

FULL PARTICIPATION​

Patriots​

• No players listed

Jets​

• DE Eric Watts (concussion protocol)

No Patriots managing ailments would have been upgraded to full participation on Thursday, while one Jet would have continued to that degree.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...ursday-injury-report-christmas-day-projection

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots rooting guide for NFL Week 17

Happy holidays! The New England Patriots already made themselves an early Christmas present last Sunday, when they clinched a playoff spot thanks to their 28-24 win in Baltimore. This week, they have their sights set on the next challenge: beating the New York Jets to keep their one-game advantage in the AFC East heading into the regular season finale.

That game is only one of 16 to be played this weekend, however, and several of those other contests either directly or indirectly impact the Patriots in some shape or form as well. Let’s take a look at those games and find out who to root for between Thursday and Sunday.

Thursday​

1 p.m. ET​

Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) at Washington Commanders (4-11): Go good game! This game has no real impact on the Patriots. | Netflix

4:30 p.m. ET​

Detroit Lions (8-7) at Minnesota Vikings (7-8): Go good game! Another game that matters next to nothing for New England. | Netflix

8:15 p.m. ET​

Denver Broncos (12-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (6-9): Go Chiefs! This is a big one, even though a Chiefs win with their third-string quarterback is highly unlikely. Still, if they manage to pull off the upset, it would help the Patriots in the race for the No. 1 playoff seed in the AFC. | Amazon

---

Saturday​

4:30 p.m. ET​

Houston Texans (10-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (11-4): Go Texans! In theory, the Chargers could still overtake the Broncos in the AFC West and end up claiming the No. 1 seed in the AFC for themselves. A Texans win would prevent that from happening.| NFL Network

8 p.m. ET​

Baltimore Ravens (7-8) at Green Bay Packers (9-5-1): Go Ravens! The Patriots would benefit from the Steelers failing to make the playoffs, thanks to the draft pick they received in the Kyle Dugger trade. For that to happen, the Ravens must leap-frog them in the final standings. | Peacock

---

Sunday​

1 p.m. ET​

Seattle Seahawks (12-3) at Carolina Panthers (8-7): Go good game! This game matters not for New England. | CBS

Arizona Cardinals (3-12) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-10): Go Bengals! This has nothing to do with the Patriots and everything with the Jets competing for the top picks in the 2026 draft. The more of the other bottom-feeders this season lose, the better. | FOX

Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6) at Cleveland Browns (3-12): Go Browns! As mentioned in the Saturday portion of this week’s rooting guide, the Steelers ending up on the outside looking in in the AFC playoffs would help the Patriots’ draft portfolio: the sixth-round pick they received from the Kyle Dugger trade would be better positioned in that case. | CBS

Jacksonville Jaguars (11-4) at Indianapolis Colts (8-7): Go Colts! The Jaguars can still play spoilers in the AFC playoff race, and overtake the Patriots. Indianapolis winning would help with that. | FOX

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8) at Miami Dolphins (6-9): Go Dolphins! Miami won’t make the playoffs, but they can further distance themselves from the top draft picks next spring. | FOX

New Orleans Saints (5-10) at Tennessee Titans (3-12): Go Saints! Another game that does not help or hurt the Patriots but whose outcome would potentially negatively impact the Jets’ draft position. | CBS

4:05 p.m. ET​

New York Giants (2-13) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-13): Go good game! This game has no meaning from a Patriots perspective. | CBS

4:25 p.m. ET​

Philadelphia Eagles (10-5) at Buffalo Bills (11-4): Go Eagles! If the Patriots beat the Jets at 1 p.m, the Bills losing in the late window would win them the AFC East. | FOX

8:20 p.m. ET​

Chicago Bears (11-4) at San Francisco 49ers (11-4): Go good game! The Patriots hold draft picks from both teams next year, but with the two already qualified for the playoffs that game has no meaning. | NBC

---

Monday​

8:15 p.m. ET​

Los Angeles Rams (11-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-9): Go good game! The Patriots can sit back and enjoy this one, because its outcome matters not to them. | ESPN

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This article also serves as an open thread for this week’s games. Please head down to the comment section to discuss and share your thoughts on the games as they unfold.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/117298/rooting-guide-nfl-week-17

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots vs. Jets Friday injury report: Seven out, TreVeyon Henderson questionable

The New England Patriots will visit the New York Jets down seven starters.

Wide receivers Mack Hollins and Kayshon Boutte, guard Jared Wilson, defensive tackles Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga, as well as linebackers Harold Landry III and Robert Spillane have been ruled out for Sunday’s game, head coach Mike Vrabel announced.

But running back TreVeyon Henderson moves forward as questionable after shedding the red non-contact jersey for the final practice of the week.

Here’s the rest of the game statuses heading into the 1 p.m. ET kickoff at MetLife Stadium.

OUT​

Patriots​

• WR Mack Hollins (abdomen)
• WR Kayshon Boutte (concussion protocol)
• G Jared Wilson (concussion protocol)
• DT Milton Williams (ankle — IR return)
• DT Khyiris Tonga (foot)
• LB Harold Landry III (knee)
• LB Robert Spillane (ankle)

Jets​

• TE Mason Taylor (neck)
• DT Jay Tufele (foot — IR)
• DE Will McDonald IV (knee — IR)
• LB Kiko Mauigoa (neck — IR)

After four games on injured reserve, the Patriots opened the 21-day practice window for Williams to return earlier in the week. Even so, the four-year, $104 million March arrival stayed limited and will not be greenlit for the visit to East Rutherford. The active roster will also be without 1,007 receiving yards and eight touchdowns out wide, plus its rookie starter at left guard, plus captains across the ball who rank atop the team in sacks and tackles. And also the run-stuffing Tonga, whose campaign has spanned 14 snaps at fullback, 337 snaps at defensive tackle and 65 snaps on special teams.

“Just not available for the game,” Vrabel said Friday when asked whether it’d take a New Year’s miracle for any of the seven to be back at practice next week. “A couple of them are in protocol and a couple of them have something else going on. We’ll see where we’re at after the game. That’s the most important thing.”

QUESTIONABLE​

Patriots​

• RB TreVeyon Henderson (concussion protocol)
• WR DeMario Douglas (hamstring)
• CB Charles Woods (foot)

Jets​

• G Xavier Newman-Johnson (knee)

Henderson entered concussion protocol only a dozen scrimmage yards in last Sunday night. But after being ruled out at halftime, the reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month was listed as a partial participant on Christmas Eve and projected the same again on Christmas Day. A full practice arrived on Friday. As for Douglas and Woods, the wideout and cornerback sustained respective hamstring and foot injuries during the matchup at M&T Bank Stadium. Both finished the week as limited before landing among the questionable.

But tight end C.J. Dippre, offensive tackles Morgan Moses and Thayer Munford Jr., outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings and corner Carlton Davis III all will go without game designations for New England.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...t-treveyon-henderson-questionable-nfl-week-17

 

[New England Patriots]

6 Patriots to watch against the Jets in NFL Week 17

The New England Patriots may have clinched a playoff spot, but they have already set their sights on another goal: winning their division for the first time since the 2019 season. In order to do so, they are going to need to maintain their one-game lead over the Buffalo Bills — and to do that, a win over the New York Jets on Sunday is crucial (one that if paired with a Bills loss to the Eagles would actually wrap up the AFC East in the Patriots’ favor).

The Jets, of course, are in the midst of another underwhelming season. At 3-12, they will finish with a losing record for a 10th straight year and have shown little signs of promise. There are a few noteworthy players, but the Patriots are entering the game as big favorites for a reason: they should be able to win this one fairly comfortably.

In order to do so, however, they will need contributions from all layers of their depth chart. With seven players ruled out for the game, after all, the pressure is on the backups at multiple spots to rise to the occasion. And with that said, here is our list of pivotal Patriots for Week 17.

RB TreVeyon Henderson​

The Patriots’ second-round rookie was placed in concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury in last week’s win over the Baltimore Ravens, but he still managed to practice this week. Henderson started out as a limited participant, but was upgraded to full participation by Friday — an indication that he should be good to go despite the questionable tag he is carrying into the weekend.

If indeed cleared for game action, one would expect him to play a prominent role in New England’s plan against the Jets. Henderson, after all, had one of the best games of his young career in the first matchup with New York’s defense, gaining 67 scrimmage yards and scoring a trio of touchdowns in a 27-14 victory.

Considering his recent injury as well as Rhamondre Stevenson being available this time around — he was out in Week 11 with a toe issue — it will be interesting to see how Henderson is employed, and whether or not he can duplicate the success he has had against the Jets.

WR Kyle Williams​

Speaking strictly in terms of volume, Williams appears to have had an uninspiring rookie season so far. Although appearing in 15 games, he has caught just seven passes while primarily serving as the Patriots’ fifth wide receiver. However, he has managed to make the most of those opportunities: on his seven catches, the third-round draft pick has gained a combined 189 yards and found the end zone three times — including on a 37-yard score last Sunday in Baltimore.

With starting perimeter receivers Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins both out due to injury this week, the Patriots will rely on Williams to build on this success. Likewise, they will want him to perform not just as a rotational option but a top-two wideout alongside veteran Stefon Diggs.

The last time he was given an extended look between Weeks 9 and 11, he was unable to do so. The first game against the Jets was particularly disappointing, with him and Drake Maye failing to get on the same page multiple times.

Now, Williams will get another crack at the Jets —and at proving himself worthy of a more prominent role down the stretch.

WR Efton Chism III​

The Patriots missing the aforementioned Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins moves the entirety of the wide receiver depth chart up two spots, including Efton Chism. Unlike the last two weeks, when he was a healthy scratch, the undrafted rookie should be expected to make the game day roster this time around — and then some.

While his actual workload will depend on the availability of fellow slot receiver DeMario Douglas, who is questionable with a hamstring injury, Chism seeing some opportunities as a third or fourth receiving target could happen. It would be a new experience for a player whose offensive snap count has been limited this season, and who has not been the target of even a single pass so far.

TE Austin Hooper​

Down at least two of their top four wide receivers, the Patriots will likely not just rely on a bunch of rookies or practice squad elevations to help fill the void. They also might turn to one of the most experienced players on their team, tight end Austin Hooper.

While Hooper caught two passes for 34 total yards against the Ravens, he is in the middle of a comparatively quiet stretch. After averaging 54% of offensive snaps before New England’s Week 13 bye, he is down to only 31%. in the two games since. The game plans for those particular contests played a role in that, but the team apparently was comfortable reducing his workload relative to his earlier usage.

Against New York, however, an uptick might be in the cards again. While not as dynamic a receiver as Kyle Williams or, at least based on his preseason tape, Efton Chism, Hooper’s experience and positional flexibility might make him a valuable piece to have this week. Don’t be surprised if the Patriots make 12-personnel with him and Hunter Henry at tight end their standard offensive grouping on Sunday.

DT Eric Gregory​

With Milton Williams not yet ready to return from injured reserve, Khyiris Tonga out with a “one- to two-week” foot injury and Joshua Farmer sent to IR earlier this week, the Patriots’ interior defensive line has seen better days. Christian Barmore is still around to hold down the fort, but he cannot do the job alone: the team will need others to step up, especially against a running back as talented as New York’s Breece Hall.

Besides Barmore, there are two other defensive tackles on the active roster, Cory Durden and Eric Gregory. Based on last week’s game against the Ravens, which saw Tonga limited to only 17 snaps, both will be actively involved in the rotation.

Our focus, however, will primarily be on Gregory. The lesser-used of the two so far this year, he is well-built to defend the run against a Jets team likely willing to put a heavy emphasis on their ground game come Sunday. The Patriots might opt to install the 320-pounder as their Tonga replacement on the nose, with Durden and a potential practice squad elevation providing depth on later downs and in passing situations.

ED Anfernee Jennings​

Harold Landry has flirted with inactivity for a while, nursing a knee injury for a few weeks now. This week, it finally happened: the team captain is out against the Jets.

Landry missing his first game since the 2022 season opens the door for somebody else to step up on the edge. The Patriots will likely make the exercise a group effort, with Elijah Ponder, Jahlani Tavai and possibly Bradyn Swinson all providing some snaps. However, the main man might be Anfernee Jennings, who head coach Mike Vrabel praised for his involvement following the win in Baltimore.

A starter the last two seasons, Jennings has been relegated to backup duty under Vrabel and his new-look defensive staff. However, he remains an able run defender at the outside linebacker position and as such should have plenty of value against Breece Hall and the Jets’ rushing attack.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...week-17-jets-kyle-williams-treveyon-henderson

 

[New England Patriots]

TreVeyon Henderson injury update: Patriots reveal status for Jets game

The New England Patriots will have TreVeyon Henderson available in Week 17. As the team announced on Saturday, the rookie running back has cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and will play against the New York Jets on Sunday.

Henderson, 23, was one of three Patriots entering the protocol after sustaining a head injury last Sunday against the Baltimore Ravens. The second-round draft pick went down midway through the second quarter and subsequently had to exit the game.

Unlike wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and left guard Jared Wilson, Henderson was back at practice at the first possible opportunity. While still limited in his return, he was upgraded to full participation by Friday’s session and subsequently listed as questionable for the game against the Jets.

Since then, he passed the final examination conducted by an independent doctor and was given the green light to play on Sunday. This means that, unlike their first meeting Week 11, both Henderson and Rhamondre Stevenson will suit up versus New York at the running back position. Stevenson had missed the previous game with a toe injury.

In his abence, Henderson finished with three total touchdowns in a 27-14 Patriots victory at Gillette Stadium. In total, the youngster has found the end zone a team-leading eight times this season while also gaining 997 yards from scrimmage.

In addition to the Henderson announcement, the Patriots also changed the status of fullback Jack Westover for Sunday’s game. Dealing with an illness, Westover is officially questionable.

Kickoff between the two AFC East rivals at East Rutherford’s MetLife Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...y-update-jets-nfl-week-17-concussion-protocol

 

[New England Patriots]

What placing Mack Hollins on injured reserve means for the Patriots

The New England Patriots made some changes to their roster ahead of their Week 17 game against the New York Jets.

Wide receiver Mack Hollins was sent to injured reserve because of the abdomen injury that has kept him out of practice the entire week. In a corresponding move, defensive tackle Jeremiah Pharms Jr. was promoted from the practice squad to fill his spot on the 53-man team.

Let’s assess what the transactions mean for the Patriots from a big-picture perspective.

WR Mack Hollins: Placed on IR​

Blow to the offense: Since arriving in New England via a two-year, $8.4 million free agency deal in March, Hollins has been a reliable contributor. He is currently leading all of the team’s wide receivers in snaps (657; 67.8%) while also ranking third on the Patriots in targets (65), receptions (46) and receiving yards (550) and sixth in touchdowns (2) — numbers that illustrate how he earned the trust of both quarterback Drake Maye and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

In addition to his stats, Hollins’ abilities as a blocker allowed him to be used as a true three-down receiver, while he also served as a tone-setter and mentor for the younger pass catchers in the room. Long story short, his presence will be missed.

Wide receiver reset: With Hollins off to injured reserve, the Patriots are left with eight available wide receivers. Of those, five are on the active roster with three more rounding out the depth chart on the practice squad.

In full, the group now looks as follows:

53-man roster (5): Kayshon Boutte (9), Stefon Diggs (8), Kyle Williams (18), DeMario Douglas (3), Efton Chism III (86)

Practice squad (3): John Jiles (83), Jeremiah Webb (29), Brandon Smith (80)

IR (1): Mack Hollins

For the time being, it seems that the Patriots will rely on the wideouts on the 53-man roster to carry the torch during Hollins’ absence. The team elected not to elevate one of the three practice squadders for the upcoming game against the Jets, even though all of them have the maximum three elevations still available.

Trickle-down effect: The player most directly impacted by Hollins’ move to IR is rookie Kyle Williams, who projects to take over his position as a starter-level perimeter wide receiver. That being said, the third-round draft pick is still a developing player, which means that he might not be a 1-for-1 replacement.

Instead, the Patriots could use a collective effort that also includes the veteran trio of Stefon Diggs, DeMario Douglas and Austin Hooper: Diggs could see more snaps on the outside, with Douglas and Hooper both getting an uptick in opportunities as inside receivers depending on packages and situations. New England using more 12-personnel looks with Hooper and Hunter Henry at tight end could happen.

Also impacted by the Hollins news is Efton Chism. A semi-regular healthy scratch this season, he now is the No. 5 wideout on the roster and could take over the kickoff return role that Williams recently filled. With the latter now seemingly off to a bigger role on offense, the Patriots might want to limit his special teams exposure.

Return timeline TBD: Per NFL rules, players going to injured reserve will have to sit out at least four games. In Hollins’ case, two of those will come over the next two weeks in the form of the Patriots’ matchups with the Jets and Miami Dolphins to close out the regular season. The timeline from that point on is currently unclear: if New England earns a first-round playoff bye, he would not be eligible to come back until the Super Bowl; if not, the championship round would mark the earliest possible return date.

Salary cap impact: Every move in football has some financial ramifications, and this one is no different. Hollins’ trip to injured reserve means that he will not be able to earn two active roster bonuses totaling $100,000. With those originally classified as likely to be earned, New England will get a credit on its 2026 salary cap.

Meanwhile, Hollins will finish the regular season with those 46 catches mentioned above, which means that he cleared only two of his three contract incentive hurdles: he will get $300,000 each for making it past 30 and 40 receptions, but will fall short of the final installment of $400,000 he would have gotten had he caught 50 balls. Add it all up and you get a salary cap number of $5.15 million for next year.

DT Jeremiah Pharms Jr: Signed to 53-man roster​

D-line shuffle continues: The Patriots’ interior defensive line suffered some losses over the last few weeks, and will be without Milton Williams (ankle/IR), Khyiris Tonga (toe), and Joshua Farmer (hamstring/IR) on Sunday versus the Jets. Adding Pharms Jr. to the mix helps bolster the depth behind the only remaining top-three defensive tackle, Christian Barmore.

The group now looks like this:

53-man roster (5): Christian Barmore (90), Khyiris Tonga (95), Cory Durden (94), Eric Gregory (55), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98)

Practice squad (2): Leonard Taylor III (93), Fabien Lovett Sr. (96)

IR (4): Milton Williams (IR-R), Joshua Farmer, Jaquelin Roy*, Isaiah Iton*

Milton Williams returning to practice this week was good news for the Patriots, and suggests that a return is on the horizon. This, in turn, could mean that Pharms Jr’s stint on the 53-man team might be short-lived. However, by promoting him now the team does save his third and final practice squad elevation.

Pass rush help: While he did accumulate a fairly even split between run (10) and pass snaps (18) in his two in-game appearances so far this season, Pharms Jr. is better suited to contribute in the passing game than clog lanes against the run. At 300 pounds, he weighs 38 fewer pounds than, for example, early-down nose tackle Khyiris Tonga. That is not a bad thing, though, particularly considering that New England’s pass rush has run hot and cold lately and will be without sack leader Harold Landry against the Jets.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...-reserve-analysis-nfl-week-17-jeremiah-pharms

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots game day roster: NFL Week 17 vs. Jets

The injury bug largely spared the New England Patriots in the early parts of the season, but it decided to bite quite often as of late. A consequence is the team ruling out five starters for Sunday’s game against the New York Jets, and placing another on injured reserve beforehand.

The absences naturally mean that the depth at their respective positions will be tested.

In place of wide receivers Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins (IR), the Patriots will rely on the likes of Kyle Williams and DeMario Douglas, among others; at left guard, Ben Brown will start for Jared Wilson; the defensive tackle position usually held by Khyiris Tonga will be jointly filled by several rotational option; Harold Landry’s role as first man in the edge rotation will give players such as Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder more opportunities; Robert Spillane’s absence will once again put fellow linebacker Jack Gibbens in the starting lineup.

Head coach Mike Vrabel shared a pragmatic look on the Patriots’ injury woes earlier this week.

“Everybody deals with it,” he said during a press conference on Friday. “It’s not something that’s new to the National Football League, to me or anybody else. We’ll elevate some guys, have to sign some guys and go from there.”

New England’s full game day roster against the Jets looks as follows:

Patriots game day roster: Week 17 vs. Jets​

Quarterback (2): Drake Maye (10), Joshua Dobbs (11)

Running back (4): Rhamondre Stevenson (38), TreVeyon Henderson (32), D’Ernest Johnson (34), Jack Westover (37 | FB/TE)

Wide receiver (4): Stefon Diggs (8), Kyle Williams (18), DeMario Douglas (3), Efton Chism III (86 | KR)

Tight end (3): Hunter Henry (85), Austin Hooper (81), C.J. Dippre (82)

Offensive tackle (3): Vederian Lowe (59 | LT), Morgan Moses (76 | RT), Thayer Munford Jr. (74)

Interior offensive line (5): Ben Brown (77 | LG), Garrett Bradbury (65 | C), Mike Onwenu (71 | RG), Caedan Wallace (70), Brenden Jaimes (61)

Interior defensive line (5): Christian Barmore (90), Cory Durden (94), Eric Gregory (55), Jeremiah Pharms Jr. (98), Leonard Taylor III (93 | PS elevation)

Defensive edge (4): K’Lavon Chaisson (44), Elijah Ponder (91), Anfernee Jennings (33), Bradyn Swinson (43)

Linebacker (5): Christian Elliss (53), Jack Gibbens (51), Jahlani Tavai (48), Marte Mapu (15), Chad Muma (49)

Cornerback (6): Christian Gonzalez (0), Carlton Davis III (7), Marcus Jones (25 | PR), Charles Woods (22), Miles Battle (35), Kobee Minor (19 | PS elevation)

Safety (4): Jaylinn Hawkins (21), Craig Woodson (31), Dell Pettus (24), Brenden Schooler (41)

Specialists (3): Andy Borregales (36 | K), Bryce Baringer (17 | P/H), Julian Ashby (47 | LS)

The Patriots’ injuries atop the depth chart do not just impact the top layer of backups. Others such as wide receiver Efton Chism, tight end C.J. Dippre or outside linebacker Bradyn Swinson also are in line for increased roles relative to their usual workload.

In addition, it remains to be seen how players removed from the injury report on Friday will respond to game action. Cornerback Carlton Davis, who missed the first of two practices this week with an illness, is a name to watch in that regard.

Patriots reserves​

Inactives (7): QB Tommy DeVito (16), WR Kayshon Boutte (9), OT Marcus Bryant (52), LG Jared Wilson (58), DT Khyiris Tonga (95), ED Harold Landry III (2), LB Robert Spillane (14)

Practice squad (13): RB Elijah Mitchell (45), RB Jashaun Corbin (30), WR John Jiles (83), WR Jeremiah Webb (29), WR Brandon Smith (80), OL Andrew Rupcich (67), OL Mehki Butler (63), DT Fabien Lovett Sr. (96), LB Amari Gainer (99), LB Otis Reese (54), CB Brandon Crossley (46), S Richie Grant (39), S John Saunders Jr. (23)

Practice squad/injured (3): RB Craig Reynolds (49), LB Darius Harris (42), TE Thomas Odukoya (88 | IPPP)

Reserve/injured (13): FB Brock Lampe, OT Yasir Durant, CB Marcellas Dial Jr., DT Jaquelin Roy, RB Lan Larison, RB Deneric Prince, DT Isaiah Iton, RB Antonio Gibson, DT Milton Williams, CB Alex Austin, OT Will Campbell, RB Terrell Jennings, DT Joshua Farmer, WR Mack Hollins

Reserve/retired (1): OL Wes Schweitzer

Even though stalwart defensive tackle Milton Williams returned to practice earlier this week, he remains on injured reserve due to the ankle issue he sustained in the first game against the Jets. Joining him on IR is wide receiver Mack Hollins, who was sent there because of an abdomen issue on Saturday.

The Patriots’ game against the Jets will kick off at 1 p.m. ET at MetLife Stadium in Baltimore.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...l-week-17-depth-chart-starters-inactives-jets

 

[New England Patriots]

What we learned from Patriots vs. Jets in Week 17

The New England Patriots destroyed the Jets in their final road game of the 2025 regular season, sweeping their division rivals with a final score of 42-10. During their ride home, they then went on and clinched the AFC East.

It was an eventful day, so let’s get into our lessons learned from Sunday.

Patriots do their job​

The Patriots dominated the Jets in all facets of the game on Sunday — offense, defense, special teams, you name it. At the end of the first half, they had out-gained their hapless opponent 344 yards to 77, and had 23 first downs to only four for the Jets. The game was over when they went into the locker room for halftime up 35-3.

Of course, the Patriots are a better team than the Jets, but there were some questions about whether or not New York would have a chance with the Patriots so shorthanded. However, the outcome of the game was never in doubt.

This is what you should do to inferior opponents, and the Patriots, as they have most of the season, took care of business.

Drake Maye keeps making it look easy​

In a season where Drake Maye has been dominant, and might end up winning the MVP, he did something on Sunday that no one in NFL history has ever done.

He finished the game on Sunday with 256 passing yards, five touchdowns, and a completion percentage of more than 90%. It’s the first time in NFL history that anyone has put up a stat-line like that, and it was his second game this season with over a 90% completion percentage.

It was also the first time in Patriots history a QB has thrown five touchdown passes to five different receivers. Not even Tom Brady accomplished that feat.

Maye doesn’t panic in the pocket, is hardly ever rattled by coverages, and can fire a rocket pretty much anywhere, anytime. He’s a true weapon at the quarterback position, and the Patriots are going to be in games, regardless of who is catching passes, because of him. He’s going to get a chance to prove himself on the biggest stage in the playoffs, and fans should be excited for that.

Efton Chism is ready​

Patriots fans have found their lates overlooked slot receiver to fall in love with, and his name is Efton Chism. The rookie made some plays in the preseason, and finally got a chance at some real offensive action on Sunday.

He had a 30-yard gain in the middle of the field on his first target (that could have been a touchdown if he didn’t stumble) and also scored a sliding touchdown in the early second half. He would finish the game with only those two catches, but that is certainly enough to rile up the fan base and get them clamoring for more Chism on the field.

With Mack Hollins out until at least championship weekend, and Kayshon Boutte in concussion protocol, they might just get their wish.

Rhamondre Stevenson is an all-around weapon​

There was a period of time, early in the season, where most Patriots fans were probably ready for the team to calling it quits on Rhamondre Stevenson. His fumble issues paired with uneven output was not what the Patriots extended him for.

Fast forward to Sunday, and a player looking fantastic both running and catching the ball. His patience and burst was noticeable, and the Patriots are going to need that if they want to win in the playoffs.

Being able to throw is important, but running the ball effectively is what can win you a championship, especially with a solid passing attack. Stevenson stepping up and playing well gives the Patriots offense a different feel, and the ability to control the clock could be a huge benefit for them in January.

Stefon Diggs is an ageless wonder​

The Patriots entered the game thin at wide receiver, but they simply turned to their best wideout to make up for it. Stefon Diggs didn’t disappoint.

For the fifth time this year, and the second game in a row, Diggs went for over 100 yards receiving, finishing with six catches for 101 and a touchdown. He was active early and often, scoring on a quick pass on fourth down at the goal line.

Coming off a torn ACL, Diggs has been everything the Patriots hoped he would be and then so. He has been a great player on the field, and a great influence off of it as well. He’s one of the leaders of the team, and, while he has been happy being just a piece of the offense, he can clearly take over when he needs to as well.

Cold weather questions remain with Andy Borregales​

Andy Borregales lacking cold weather experience was one of the big talking points after the Patriots selected him in the sixth round of this year’s draft, and questions remain at this point in the season. He hit all six of his extra point attempts against the Jets, but doinked his only field goal attempt off the right upright from 41 yards away.

He has been solid for the vast majority of the season, but he might need a few more opportunities in frigid conditions to get ready for the playoffs and comfortable in the cold. I have faith, as I know that Mike Vrabel does, but, since it’s something that he hasn’t done, it will continue be worth watching.

The depth steps up​

The Patriots came into the game with a boatload of starters injured. Because of that, they needed a whole lot of depth players to step up, and that’s exactly what they did.

Ben Brown filled in again for Jared Wilson at left guard and played well. Vederian Lowe continues to deliver in place for Will Campbell, who is now eligible to return from injured reserve. We talked about Efton Chism already, while Kyle Williams played well at receiver as well, outside of one drop.

Their linebackers, who have been much maligned, looked good on Sunday too. It remains to be seen whether or not the Patriots can win a playoff game with this many depth players logging important minutes, but the hope is that they won’t have to worry about that and can get some guys healthy in the coming weeks.

Aaron Glenn is a mess​

The Jets have their new head coach in Aaron Glenn, but how good he really is is yet to be determined. There isn’t much that he could have done with this team this year, starting with Justin Fields at quarterback, and dealing with a rash of injuries as well. They traded away their two best defensive players at the deadline, too, so they clearly have their eyes on the future.

With that being said, sometimes you can just tell that a guy doesn’t have it as a head coach, as the Patriots did with Jerod Mayo last year. It’s unclear whether or not Glenn will ever be a good head coach, but he certainly wasn’t good on Sunday.

Running back-to-back fake punts might be a fireable offense on its own. Aside from that, the Jets just simply didn’t look ready to play on Sunday. Maybe it’s not fair to judge him based on what has happened this year, but I have serious questions as to whether or not he’ll ever be up for the job. Then again, it would be great for the Patriots if he isn’t, so I’m cool with the Jets keeping him for as long as they want.

A remarkable turnaround continues​

With the Bills loss to the Eagles on Sunday, the Patriots have clinched their first AFC East title in the first year of the Mike Vrabel era, and for the first time since Tom Brady left. It’s pretty hard to believe that this time last year, fans were hoping that they would lose their final game to keep the first overall pick, and now they have already won their division.

They are still fighting for the No. 1 seed as well, but are going to need some help. With a win next weekend, and a Broncos loss to the Chargers, the Patriots would slide into the No. 1 spot and get a first round bye. The bye would be huge for a team that has been struggling to get healthy lately.

Whatever happens next week, though, the Patriots are now guaranteed at least one home playoff game. Coincidentally, the last time the Patriots had a home playoff game, they lost; the last time Mike Vrabel had a playoff game at Gillette Stadium as a coach, he won. Whoever the Patriots end up playing, wild card or division round, the playoffs are finally back in Foxborough.

More division action awaits​

Next week, the Patriots will host the Miami Dolphins for the final game of the regular season. They finished the season undefeated on the road, but suffered their three losses at home, all of which could have been prevented.

In total, the Patriots are a better team than the Dolphins, but Miami is coming in playing good football. After losing the last two weeks, they beat the Buccaneers on Sunday, and have also beaten the Bills earlier this year.

Rookie Quinn Ewers is getting the start again for the Dolphins at quarterback, and he looked good on Sunday against Tampa. This is a game that the Patriots should absolutely win, but they have to come ready to play, because Miami would love to spoil the Patriots’ chances at a first-round bye — something they also managed to do back in 2019.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-england-patriots-opinion/117632/nfl-week-17-jets-takeaways

 

[New England Patriots]

Patriots waive pair, clearing room for reinforcements from injured reserve

The New England Patriots will enter the final week of the regular season with two openings on the active roster.

The organization officially waived offensive lineman Brenden Jaimes and cornerback Miles Battle on Monday, clearing room for reinforcements from injured reserve.

Jaimes, 26, had been promoted to the 53-man roster last week after twice serving as a standard elevation. The veteran saw eight snaps at center in relief on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. He has also handled 21 snaps on special teams since heading to Foxborough as part of the practice squad in September.

Taken in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL draft, Jaimes stands 49 games in. The 6-foot-5, 300-pound Nebraska alum spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers before spending his most recent training camp with the Tennessee Titans. A three-game starter, he has totaled 282 snaps on offense and 218 snaps in the kicking game.

Battle, 25, was added to New England’s active roster amid a series of moves in late November. He has appeared in five games this campaign, recording three tackles while logging 29 snaps on defense and 54 snaps on special teams.

Re-signed to the practice squad at its formation in August, Battle had finished his rookie year on the 53. His debut arrived in the season finale and brought two tackles along with three passes defensed. The 6-foot-3, 197-pound cornerback out of Ole Miss and Utah originally entered the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs as an undrafted free agent in 2024.

Both are candidates to be retained after clearing waivers.

Rookie left tackle Will Campbell is expected to return to practice this week after four games on injured reserve. The Patriots previously opened defensive tackle Milton Williams’ 21-day activation window, and cornerback Alex Austin is also eligible to retake the field.

In additional Monday movement, defensive lineman Leonard Taylor III and cornerback Kobee Minor reverted to the practice squad after serving as standard elevations for what became a 42-10 win over the New York Jets.

Taylor, 23, recorded four tackles against his former team, stuffing one carry for no gain. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound University of Miami product has totaled 27 defensive snaps since joining the practice squad in October. He debuted as an elevation midway through December. Entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jets in 2024, Taylor’s career includes 33 tackles, 1.5 sacks and two batted passes through 18 games.

Minor, 23, checked in as an elevation for the third time after making back-to-back appearances in September. The 5-foot-11, 188-pound corner by way of Texas Tech, Indiana and Memphis saw the initial 29 defensive snaps of his stay on Sunday and was credited with one tackle. He has also handled 11 snaps on the kicking game during his rookie year. Selected by the Patriots in the seventh round of the 2025 draft at No. 257 overall, the latest “Mr. Irrelevant” signed to the practice squad at its formation.

Head coach Mike Vrabel’s 13-3 AFC East champions close out the schedule next Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. The finale at Gillette Stadium is set for 4:25 p.m. ET.

Source: https://www.patspulpit.com/new-engl...njured-reserve-milton-williams-will-campbelll