Patriots’ return game could be in trouble after latest injury report

Patriots' return game could be in trouble after latest injury report
New England Patriots cornerback Marcus Jones (25) stands on the field before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 24 2024, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)AP

The New England Patriots will be without two major contributors in the return game this weekend as they head to Buffalo.

On Friday’s injury report, the Patriots officially ruled out running back JaMycal Hasty and cornerback Marcus Jones for Sunday’s game. Jones serves as New England’s primary punt returner. Meanwhile, Hasty is pivotal to the kick return unit, having returned 10 kickoffs this season.

Jones’ absence on punt return certainly throws a wrench into things. The third-year player has yet to miss a game this year. Meanwhile, no other player on the roster has returned a punt this season.

Things look a little better on kick returns. Running back Antonio Gibson has run back six kicks this season while rookie wide receiver Javon Baker has returned five.

Jones is one of the Patriots’ most versatile players. In addition to being an electric punt returner, Jones is also a major factor in New England’s secondary. He has also contributed as a wide receiver on offense, coming in for occasional gadget plays.

Three players were added to Friday’s injury report. Safety Jabrill Peppers was ruled questionable with a hamstring injury. Meanwhile, defensive end Keion white is questionable with a groin issue.

Multiple players were removed from the list and do not have a designation for this weekend: WR Javon Baker, CB Christian Gonzalez, LB Anfernee Jennings, T Vederian Lowe, LB Jahlani Tavai and DE Deatrich Wise Jr.

Here’s the full injury report from Friday:

OUT
RB JaMycal Hasty, Ankle (DNP)
CB Marcus Jones, Hip (DNP)

QUESTIONABLE
S Kyle Dugger, Ankle / Illness (LP)
S Jabrill Peppers, Hamstring (LP)
OL Cole Strange, Knee (LP)
OT Caedan Wallace, Ankle (LP)
DE Keion White, Groin (LP)

Here’s the full Bills injury report:

QUESTIONABLE
CB Rasul Douglas, Knee (LP)
S Damar Hamlin, Rib (LP)
LB Matt Milano, Biceps/Groin (LP)
S Taylor Rapp, Neck (LP)
WR Curtis Samuel, Rib (LP)
LB Baylon Spector, Calf (LP)
LB Dorian Williams, Elbow (LP)

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

Related Posts

Astros Veteran Free Agent Move Undercuts Christian Walker Trade Hype

IMAGE: Imagn Images The Houston Astros are heading into 2026 with more questions than answers-and not the kind that get fans excited. Unlike most offseasons where the…

Chicago Cubs Lose Talented Player to Hated Rival Brewers

Getty Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer Jed Hoyer and the Chicago Cubs have been one of the biggest winners of the MLB offseason so…

Phillies Sign Former Ranger Who Sparked a Late 2025 Turnaround

IMAGE: Imagn Images Phillies Bring in Dylan Moore on Minor League Deal: A Versatile Veteran Gets Another Shot The Phillies are adding some veteran versatility to their…

5 Cardinals entering make-or-break seasons in 2026

St. Louis Cardinals v. Baltimore Orioles | Alyssa Howell/GettyImages The 2026 season will be one with less pressure for the St. Louis Cardinals. Fans aren’t expecting or…

BREAKING: Boston Red Sox Unveil Massive $3.2 Billion Fenway Park Transformation, Backed by Major Investors

In a groundbreaking move that is set to revolutionize Major League Baseball, the Boston Red Sox have officially announced plans for a $3.2 billion transformation of the…

Giants agree to $12 million contract with Luis Arraez in free agency

  The San Francisco Giants and infielder Luis Arraez have reportedly agreed on a contract, per Jorge Castillo of ESPN. Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that…