The New England Patriots opened two spots in its 53-man squad on Thursday when they put defensive edge Tashawn Bower (neck / concussion) and debuting linebacker Josh Uche (foot) in reserve for injury.
The Patriots will likely need to fill these vacancies by promoting players on their training team with multiple injuries to the linebacker and offensive line.
– Patriots free security Devin McCourty (shoulder) returned to training Thursday after failing Wednesday’s session.
Cornerback / special teams player Justin Bethel was recently limited on Thursday with a neck injury. Bethel spoke to the media on Thursday, indicating that the injury is not very serious.
Here is the full report of the Patriots’ injuries in their final 2020 practice:
NOT PARTICIPATED
C David Andrews (calf)
OLB Tashawn Bower (neck)
LB Terez Hall (ankle)
LB Anfernee Jennings (shoulder)
G Shaq Mason (calf)
LB Josh Uche (foot)
LIMITED PARTICIPATION
LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (shoulder)
CB Justin Bethel (neck)
DT Adam Butler (shoulder)
OLB Shilique Calhoun (knee)
LS Joe Cardona (ankle)
DT Byron Cowart (back)
OT Jermaine Eluemunor (ankle)
K Nick Folk (back)
DT Lawrence Guy (shoulder)
RB Damien Harris (ankle)
OT Justin Herron (ankle)
CB JC Jackson (knee)
WR Donte Moncrief (thigh)
S Devin McCourty (shoulder)
WR Matthew Slater (knee)
– Quarterback Cam Newton won this year’s Ron Hobson Media Good Guy award, which is awarded to the player who is most helpful, available and receptive to reporters. Newton had a difficult season, but he was always friendly and quotable, win or lose.
Patriots safety Adrian Phillips is feeling well, despite having played most of the regular seasons of his NFL career.
“I definitely have some pain and bruising, but I can maneuver in certain ways to make sure I’m not putting up with the weight of the force too much,” said Phillips. “It is crazy that I have more crackles, more production this year and my body is really doing well. I have to finish strong, I hope to finish strong in this last game, but in general I feel very good. “
– Left guard Joe Thuney on the possibility that Sunday’s game against the Jets will be the last in the Patriots’ uniform:
“Mostly, I’m focused only on Sunday and Jets and everything. But yes, just try to absorb it all. Never know. “
Thuney will be an unrestricted free agent after the season.
– Cam Newton will be celebrating the New Year with something called a party.
“So you kind of call your close friends, loved ones, and it’s like Skype and you have to define your intentions according to what you’re expecting,” said Newton. “Sage yourself. Protect your environment. Crystals, if necessary. And continue that kind of euphoric conversation with you, your loved ones and the people you know best. It kind of puts people in that position to be their responsible partners too, as the new year approaches. So it could be the resolution of a new year, it could be what your expectations are, it kind of makes you go beyond that to have a vision board. Yes, those are my plans for tonight and I look forward to it. “
Miniature photo via Jasen Vinlove / USA TODAY Sports Images