FOXBOROUGH — The only official change to the Patriots injury report from Wednesday to Thursday is the move of wide receiver Danny Amendola from a DNP to limited. Meanwhile, cornerback Eric Rowe (groin) and defensive tackle Malcom Brown (ankle) remained sidelined.
Amendola (knee) was part of a group of six players who were limited at Thursday’s walkthrough. And while linebacker Dont’a Hightower was officially a DNP, it’s now clear that the veteran will be lost for the season.
Here’s the full report:
DNP
DT Malcom Brown (ankle)
LB Dont’a Hightower (shoulder)
CB Eric Rowe (groin)
Limited Participation
WR Danny Amendola (knee)
CB Stephon Gilmore (concussion/ankle)
DT Lawrence Guy (chest)
TE Jacob Hollister (chest)
DL Cassius Marsh (shoulder)
LB Elandon Roberts (ankle)
The news isn't all good on Amendola, however, as the Boston Herald is reporting he is dealing with a hyperextended knee he suffered in Sunday's game against Atlanta. Despite the fact that he was there at Thursday's walkthough, according to the Herald, he remains day-to-day.
Burkhead: ‘Joy’ to be back on the field
Patriots running back Rex Burkhead spoke with reporters after Thursday’s walkthrough and reflected briefly on his return to the field this past Sunday, his first action since Week Two against the Saints.
“It’s a joy to be back out there,” said Burkhead, who had six carries for a season-high 31 yards and one reception for 11 yards in the victory over the Falcons. “It felt good. It felt good to just get some contact again and get back into the flow of it.”
Burkead was part of a collective of backs who had a terrific night against Atlanta as a group, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. He praised his fellow backs — Dion Lewis, James White and Mike Gilislee — and what they were able to achieve as a group.
“We have so many versatile backs, it was cool to kind of see us all be used in our unique different ways — whether that was in special teams, the run game, the pass game,” he said. “It’s neat to be a part of that. We compete with one another but we’re also rooting each other on.”
Burkhead said he had no problem being part of a group, as opposed to working as a more traditional feature back.
“It’s always a plus to have multiple backs, especially when you can do multiple things,” he said. “It gives you very unique looks that defenses have to prepare for even more. Any time you have guys who can do multiple things for your offense, it’s always a good thing.”
Pats-Steelers won’t be flexed
Those of you looking ahead to the December game between the Patriots and Steelers, it apparently won’t be flexed. Steelers’ PR made this announcement on Wednesday.
The #NFL has confirmed the #Steelers vs. #Patriots game on Dec. 17 (Week 15) has been protected (cannot be flexed to a different time) & will be played @heinzfield as scheduled at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.
— Burt Lauten (@SteelersPRBurt) October 25, 2017
