Injuries are once again a concern for the New England Patriots ahead of their Christmas Eve showdown with the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Tight end Hunter Henry and offensive tackle Conor McDermott were both listed as non-participants at Wednesday’s practice.
That could be a big problem for the Patriots after another up-and-down offensive performance in their Week 15 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.
Henry, who led the team in receptions and receiving yards, was quarterback Bailey Zappe’s go-to target, and McDermott has stepped up at left tackle with Trent Brown still working his way back from multiple injuries.
McDermott being in concussion protocol puts his availability this week in doubt. If Trent Brown is unable to go as well, the Patriots might be forced to plug Vederian Lowe in at left tackle, which has had disastrous results at times this season.
Here are the full injury reports for both teams on Wednesday:
New England Patriots
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
| TE Hunter Henry | Knee | DNP | |||
| OT Conor McDermott | Concussion | DNP | |||
| S Jabrill Peppers | Hamstring | DNP | |||
| RB Rhamondre Stevenson | Ankle | DNP | |||
| DL Christian Barmore | Shoulder | LP | |||
| Ja’Whaun Bentley | Knee | LP | |||
| OT Trent Brown | Ankle/Hand | LP | |||
| CB Jonathan Jones | Knee | LP | |||
| SpT Matthew Slater | Hamstring | LP | |||
| WR JuJu Smith-Schuster | Ankle | LP | |||
| LB Jahlani Tavai | Ankle | LP |
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
Pittsburgh Steelers
| Player | Injury | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Game Status |
| OLB Nik Bonitto | Knee | DNP | |||
| TE Greg Dulcich | Hamstring/Foot | DNP | |||
| RB Samaje Perine | Not injury-related/Rest | DNP | |||
| OLB Jonathon Cooper | Ankle | LP | |||
| T Alex Palczewski | Knee | LP |
DNP: Did not practice; LP: Limited participation ; FP: Full participation
Injuries have been an ongoing problem for the Patriots all season, and that seemingly isn’t changing at this point. The next-man-up mentality must remain intact for a team that’s needed it all year long.
