The New England Patriots may have Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman back for Week 17 after the wideouts sat out last week for the Pats. The team would love to get some reps for Edelman before the postseason and if the team wins on Sunday, New England will have home field advantage in the AFC playoffs.
The Patriots are coming into Week 17 after a loss against the Jets, but with the Broncos winning on Monday night, the team is still in position for the top seed in the AFC. The Patriots take on the Dolphins on Sunday and a win against Miami would give New England home field throughout the playoffs. The Patriots would love to lock up home field and even if Amendola and Edelman are out, the team should be able to get things done against an inconsistent Dolphins team that is heading for a top 10 pick in the draft.
Danny Amendola was ruled out for Week 16 with a knee injury and he could return in Week 17 if he is able to practice this week. Amendola, Julian Edelman, Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung all were out in Week 16 for the Patriots. Edelman has returned to practice after having foot surgery earlier in the season and he has missed six straight games for the Pats. The team would like to get Edelman back into some game action before the playoffs, but they likely will not rush him back until he is ready.
Amendola and Edelman could end up having a nice amount of time to heal up if they are out again in Week 17, as the Patriots will have a first round bye and will not play another game for a couple weeks in the playoffs. The Patriots ideally would like both players to get some reps on the field in game action before the postseason starts.
Steven Jackson was active for the Patriots last week after signing earlier and he said that he is ready for the playoffs. Jackson rushed seven times for 15 yards against the Jets and he should see some increased work this week against the Dolphins. Jackson joins James White and Brandon Bolden as the main backs with LeGarrette Blount out for the season. Rob Gronkowski could see some limited action on Sunday, as the Patriots may not want to risk an injury to the tight end before the playoffs depending on how the game goes against Miami.
The Patriots have dealt with a number of injuries on the offensive line this season and on Sunday the team saw another player go down. According to Pro Football Talk, Sebastian Vollmer had to be carted off the field against the Jets and was not able to return to the game. Vollmer is dealing with an ankle injury and the team will decide on his status for Sunday this week. The Patriots may want to be cautious with Vollmer, as the team has already dealt with injuries to Nate Solder and Marcus Cannon.
