FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots picked up a victory on the
scoreboard and in the medical room Sunday against the Bengals. Outside of a
couple very minor injuries, New England escaped serious harm and appears to be
in good shape leading up to its Week 2 matchup with the Jets.
Here's a closer look at the health checkup.
Wide receiver Julian Edelman did not play because of a
foot injury. He worked out on the field three hours before the game with the
medical staff, but he wasn’t cleared to go. Edelman missed three weeks of
practice before returning for limited participation Thursday and Friday. Still,
his progress is a good sign.
Cornerback Terrence Wheatley did not play because of a
foot injury, and he didn’t practice all week, either. He was wearing a walking
boot in the locker room earlier in the week, which means he might be a little
further away from returning.
Running back Laurence Maroney did not play because of a
thigh injury. He didn’t practice Wednesday and had limited participation
Thursday and Friday. Maroney was not spotted on the field prior to the game,
which likely means he was ruled out in advance.
Defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick did not play, and he
was listed all week with a toe injury, yet he fully participated in every
practice. It's possible Deaderick was inactive due to his position on the depth
chart, rather than the injury.
Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur did not play because of a
back injury, and he hasn’t practiced since the second day of training camp.
This figures to be an important week for Kaczur. With offensive lineman Quinn
Ojinnaka coming off the suspension list, the Patriots are going to have to make
a roster move. If Kaczur isn’t placed on injured reserve, it's a good
indication the Pats believe he can return this season.
Right guard Stephen Neal briefly left the game in the
second half with a left leg injury. He was replaced on a missed third-down
conversion by Ryan Wendell, and Neal briefly received attention from the
trainers on the sideline before rejoining the huddle with the offensive
linemen. He only missed one play.
Tight end Alge Crumpler left the field with an unknown
injury in the second half. With trainers by his side, he walked off under his
own power and did not receive any attention on the sideline. Crumpler later
returned to the game.
