The New England Patriots are intensifying preparations for their upcoming matchup against the Denver Broncos as they navigate injuries within their roster. Starting center Garrett Bradbury, who has logged an impressive 1,191 snaps during the season, did not participate in Thursday’s practice due to an illness. Other players on the injury list include outside linebacker Harold Landry III and inside linebacker Marte Mapu, both of whom are also sidelined as the AFC Championship Game approaches.
The latest injury report ahead of Sunday’s 3 p.m. ET kickoff at Empower Field highlights several key absences:
**Did Not Participate:**
For the Patriots:
– C Garrett Bradbury (illness)
– LB Harold Landry III (knee)
– LB Marte Mapu (hip)
For the Broncos:
– QB Bo Nix (ankle)
Bradbury has maintained a strong presence on the field, playing every snap in the wild card and divisional rounds prior to his recent illness, which marks a concerning shift as the season heads into its crucial phases. Landry has been dealing with a knee issue that’s kept him on the injury report since late fall, and his limited action last weekend, where he played just 11 out of 75 defensive snaps, raises questions about his availability moving forward. Mapu’s hip issue has also restricted him from practicing, despite contributing significantly on special teams earlier in the season.
**Limited Participation:**
Patriots who were limited included:
– WR Mack Hollins (abdomen — IR return)
– TE Hunter Henry (not injury-related — rest)
– OT Morgan Moses (not injury-related — rest)
– OT Thayer Munford Jr. (knee)
– LB Christian Elliss (hip)
– CB Carlton Davis III (concussion protocol)
For the Broncos:
– RB J.K. Dobbins (foot — IR return)
– WR Troy Franklin (hamstring)
– C Alex Forsyth (ankle)
The Patriots have activated the return window for Hollins, who has been recovering from an abdomen injury that put him on injured reserve in December. His return adds depth to the Patriots’ receiving corps. Cornerback Carlton Davis III has been practicing in a non-contact jersey after entering the NFL’s concussion protocol, bringing some optimism regarding his potential availability.
**Full Participation:**
Players who fully participated for the Patriots included:
– RB TreVeyon Henderson (shoulder)
– RB Terrell Jennings (concussion protocol — IR return)
– DT Joshua Farmer (hamstring — IR return)
– LB Robert Spillane (hand)
While the Patriots face challenges with key players sidelined or limited, the presence of actively participating players like Henderson and Jennings, who are returning from injury, provides a hopeful outlook. The Broncos also have players returning from injuries, such as WR Pat Bryant and TE Lucas Krull, indicating both teams are working through their own health hurdles as they aim to secure a spot in the playoffs.
As both rosters await the outcome of their injury statuses, the anticipation for Sunday’s game continues to build, with fans eager to see how each team adjusts and performs under pressure.