Friday, October 18, 2013

Injury report: Pats 'D' depleted, Jets get healthier

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The hits keep coming for the New England Patriots' defense. A week after losing defensive tackle Vince Wilfork for the season, the team's leading tackler in linebacker Jerod Mayo was placed on injured reserve a few days ago.

Now, their best player on the third layer of the defense, cornerback Aqib Talib, looks like a no-go Sunday when they face the division-rival New York Jets.

The Jets haven't been without their share of injuries, though they're getting much healthier. While receiver Santonio Holmes is still out, rookie cornerback Dee Milliner will finally return to action.

All of Gang Green's notable injuries, and there are a number of them, are just being chalked up as dings on the "probable" list.

One positive for the Patriots -- and it's a big one -- is the likely return of tight end Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady's long-lost third down and red zone weapon. He'll bolster a pass-catching attack that will once again be without top wideout Danny Amendola.

Here's the full injury slate for both teams:

JETS

Out
WR Santonio Holmes (foot, hamstring), WR Greg Salas (knee).

Probable
LB Quinton Coples (ankle), CB Antonio Cromartie (hip, knee), DT Kenrick Ellis (back), RB Chris Ivory (hamstring), S Jaiquawn Jarrett (knee), WR Jeremy Kerley (back), CB Dee Milliner (hamstring), WR David Nelson (hamstring), RB Bilal Powell (neck), CB Darrin Walls (shoulder), CB Kyle Wilson (concussion).

PATRIOTS

Out
WR Danny Amendola (concussion, groin), DT Tommy Kelly (knee), RB Leon Washington (ankle).

Doubtful
CB Aqib Talib (hip).

Questionable
RB Brandon Bolden (knee), T Marcus Cannon (shoulder), G Dan Connolly (concussion), WR Julian Edelman (thigh), TE Rob Gronkowski (back, forearm), TE Michael Hoomanawanui (knee), WR Matt Slater (wrist), S Tavon Wilson (hamstring).

Probable
CB Kyle Arrington (groin), S Devin McCourty (shoulder), DE Rob Ninkovich (groin), T Nate Solder (back).

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