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)

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