FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots stayed healthy during Sunday's 28-18 victory against the Vikings at Gillette Stadium. They were able to get past a prolific passing attack without two of their safeties, and the Patriots only suffered one minor scare during the game.
Here is the Monday health checkup.
Rookie cornerback Devin McCourty missed one play during the third quarter after slamming his head into the turf while breaking up a pass intended for Percy Harvin. McCourty said he whacked his head pretty good, but he received brief treatment from the medical staff and quickly returned to the game.
Safety Patrick Chung did not play due to the knee injury he suffered last week in San Diego. Chung worked out on the field prior to the game, which indicated he was a game-time decision. He missed Wednesday's practice and was limited Thursday and Friday. It looks like he should be good to go against the Browns.
Wide receiver Matthew Slater did not play due to the ankle injury he suffered last week in San Diego. Slater did not practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday and Friday. He did not work out on the field prior to the Vikings game, which likely meant the Patriots knew he wouldn’t be healthy enough to play. However, he made progress throughout the week, and this isn’t a long-term issue.
Safety Jarrad Page missed his second consecutive game due to a left calf injury. He hasn’t practiced in two weeks, and there is no clear timetable for his return.
Running back Fred Taylor missed his fourth consecutive game with a toe injury. He hasn’t practiced since Sept. 24, and it is unclear when he'll be ready to return, although head coach Bill Belichick said last week Taylor was making significant progress.
Wide receiver Deion Branch was able to play despite suffering a hamstring injury last week during practice. Branch said he knew all along he'd be good to go, but he received extra attention from the trainers prior to kickoff, which indicated he was a game-time decision. It's obviously nothing serious, but it's worth monitoring this week. Branch had one reception for 21 yards Sunday.
