The Patriots will hold their first practice of the week on Wednesday.
Standing in front of a newly-branded backdrop reflecting his team’s spot in the AFC Championship Game, New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel met with the media on Wednesday to speak about the upcoming matchup with Denver Broncos. Among the topics discussed were injury updates on two starters, cornerback Carlton Davis and wide receiver Mack Hollins.
According to Vrabel, only one of the two will be present at the first practice of the week.
Carlton Davis injury update
After catching a pair of interceptions in the first half of the Patriots’ divisional round game against the Houston Texans, Davis exited in the fourth quarter with what was later announced as a head injury. Originally deemed questionable to return, he was eventually ruled out before the two-minute warning.
According to Vrabel, Davis has since been placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol. Nonetheless, the belief is that he will be able to practice on Wednesday.
“I would anticipate him being out there, probably in a limited capacity,” said Vrabel. “But just working his way through protocol.”
Davis is one of the Patriots’ starting cornerbacks, lining up on the perimeter opposite Pro Bowler Christian Gonzalez. Ranked second on the team in defensive snaps this season, he was replaced by backup Charles Woods after his departure.
Mack Hollins injury update
One of the Patriots’ starting receivers, Hollins caught 46 passes for 550 yards and a pair of touchdowns over the Patriots’ first 15 games of the regular season. However, and an abdomen injury forced the team to place him on injured reserve on Dec. 27, ahead of New England’s Week 17 contest against the New York Jets.
While eligible to return to practice this week, the free agency pickup has not yet been cleared to return to action.
“That won’t happen today, no,” said Vrabel.
Without Hollins, the Patriots gave increased opportunities to rookie receivers Kyle Williams and Efton Chism. The two youngsters finished last week’s game against the Texans ranked third and fourth among their position group in snaps, although neither was able to haul in a pass.
Hollins’ next opportunities to return to practice will come on Thursday and Friday; the Patriots will then travel to Denver on Saturday, at which point a decision about his return to the 53-man roster will have to be made.
Category: General Sports
