Patriots Receive Positive News Prior To Regular Season Finale
The New England Patriots are getting healthier entering Week 18.
Christian Barmore (illness) and Hunter Henry (knee) both returned to practice on Thursday, according to multiple reports. Kayshon Boutte (concussion) was also present, shedding his red non-contact jersey and presumably moving closer to clearing concussion protocol. Stefon Diggs remained with the team, as well.
Harold Landry III (knee), Robert Spillane (ankle), Jack Westover (ankle), Jared Wilson (concussion) and Khyiris Tonga (foot) remained absent, though none of their injuries are expected to stretch into the postseason.
Barmore, 26, ultimately missed just one session with an illness, though it did come on the same day that he was charged with one count of assault and battery on a family/household member stemming from an alleged incident in Mansfield, Mass. on Aug. 8.
Diggs, 32, is facing a felony charge of strangulation/suffocation and a misdemeanor assault and battery following an alleged incident with his personal chef in Dedham, Mass. on Dec. 2.
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel answered questions regarding the legal situations surrounding those two players on Wednesday, sharing that there wasn’t expected to be an immediate change in their game status.
The Patriots are expected to play all healthy starters during their matchup with the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.