When the New England Patriots faced the Buffalo Bills in Week 17, they were already without a number of key players.
Even though linebacker Jahlani Tavai was able to return to the game, things did not get any better during the 27-21 loss: wide receiver DeVante Parker and Tavai were the latest members of the starting lineup to sustain injuries.
Now that we’ve seen the game again, let’s evaluate the damage and see what those injuries might signify going forward for the Patrio
WR DeVante Parker: Parker has been able to get some momentum over the past few weeks and has been one of Bailey Zappe’s favorite targets since he assumed the starting quarterback role for New England. But against Buffalo, everything came to an end when he left the game with a rib injury after making a 15-yard reception early in the second quarter and attempting to bring down cornerback Rasul Douglas on a pick-six later in the same drive. Despite being declared doubtful to return, the veteran wide receiver stayed out of the game.
G Atonio Mafi: The Patriots starting left guard substituted fellow rookie Jake Andrews for Mafi twice throughout the game, once in the first and once in the second. After leaving the game for the first time, Mafi was seen stretching on the sidelines. After the second, he did not come back, so Andrews had 13 snaps at the conclusion of the game versus his 40.
LB Jahlani Tavai: Going down late in the third quarter raised some concerns because Tavai has been a reliable and effective member of the Patriots’ starting defense this season. He did, however, return to the game after getting hit during an 8-yard run, remaining down, and slowly leaving with members of the training staff.
soon after and concluded with an 82.6 percent share of playing time.
QB Bailey Zappe: The starting quarterback for the Patriots played all 53 offensive snaps, and the team made no in-game announcements regarding injuries. He did, however, appear to be moving cautiously toward the stage for his postgame press conference after consuming three sacks.
