The New England Patriots will play for the final time this season when they host the Buffalo Bills in Week 18. The two AFC East teams will meet for the second time this season. Two weeks ago, when the two teams played for the first time, the Pats took a 14-0 lead at Orchard Park but ultimately lost 24-21.
After the New York Giants’ win last week, the Pats find themselves at No. 1 in the 2025 NFL draft order. However, a win at Gillette Stadium this week could see them fall from that spot. top stop.
Let’s take a look at the Patriots’ injury report for the Week 18 game.
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Patriots injury report for Week 18
The New England Patriots had 15 players listed on their first injury report of the week on Wednesday, including four players who were DNP.
QB Drake Maye appeared on the team’s injury report as a limited participant due to a right hand injury. Following his early exit from last week’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers due to a concussion, CB Christian Gonzalez did not practice Wednesday.
Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte (illness), center Ben Brown (concussion) and wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk (shoulder) also did not participate in practice.
The other players the team listed as limited in Wednesday’s practice are safety Kyle Dugger (ankle/quadriceps), tight end Hunter Henry (foot), linebacker Anfernee Jennings (knee), linebacker Titus Leo (ankle), safety Jabrill Peppers (hamstring). , safety Brenden Schooler (abdomen), linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee), linebacker Jahlani Tavai (knee) and tackle Caedan Wallace (ankle).
Drake Maye Injury Update
New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo reaffirmed on Wednesday that Drake Maye would participate in the Week 18 matchup against the Buffalo Bills if he is fit and available. Later that day, however, the quarterback appeared on the injured list as a limited practice participant due to a hand issue.
Maye suffered a finger injury during the Chargers game last week, but it was not thought to be a major problem. A head injury also forced him to leave the game temporarily in the first quarter, but he returned in the second quarter and played until the end of the fourth quarter, recording 12 completions, 117 passing yards and a touchdown.
The Patriots will not play Maye in Sunday’s game if he is not fully recovered. The team may decide to rest him at the end to prevent him from suffering a more serious injury, especially since a loss to Buffalo would ensure they have the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Ja’Lynn Polk injury update
Ja’Lynn Polk was barely involved in the Patriots’ last game against the Chargers, as he was only targeted once and failed to record a catch. But it looks like he hurt his shoulder in that game.
To have a chance to play in Week 18 against the Bills, Polk will likely need to return to practice on Thursday or Friday, at least in a limited capacity, after starting the week as a DNP in Wednesday’s practice.
Update on Christian González’s injury
After suffering a head injury against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 17, it was not surprising that cornerback Christian González did not participate in Wednesday’s practice.
Gonzalez entered the medical tent and was initially considered questionable for his return following the head injury last week. But shortly before half-time he was finally declared unfit to play again.
Regarding González’s status for Week 18, Jerod Mayo said:
“He’s still in the protocol, so I don’t want to go too far on that issue.”
It is highly unlikely that González will play against the Bills.
Edited by Ribin Peter