FOXBORO, Mass. — Patriots rookie cornerback Devin McCourty has been officially listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Packers.
However, it’s a very good sign that McCourty spoke to the media Friday — and said he wants to play — which is an indication that McCourty could be ready to play this weekend after suffering a rib injury Sunday in Chicago. The Patriots hardly ever let injured players, especially rookies, speak to the media, so that’s good news for McCourty’s status.
For example, earlier this season, safety Patrick Chung declined numerous interview requests during the two weeks in which he was inactive with a knee injury, but he spoke to the media in the week leading up to his return.
In Foxboro, where every single element is well calculated, this is a detail that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Still, the Patriots are expected to take a cautious approach with McCourty, who has forced a turnover in four consecutive games and leads the team with six interceptions and 14 passes defensed. Because of his value in the secondary, the Patriots’ top priority will be making sure McCourty is healthy for the playoffs, and his status Sunday could be directly related to that of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is doubtful with a concussion.
For what it’s worth, the Patriots listed 36 players as questionable in the first 14 weeks of the season, and only 14 of them were active for that week’s game.
Also according to the Patriots’ injury report, tight end Aaron Hernandez (flu) and defensive linemen Ron Brace (concussion), Myron Pryor (back), Gerard Warren (knee) and Mike Wright (concussion) are all questionable. Quarterback Tom Brady (foot, right shoulder), cornerback Kyle Arrington (elbow), wide receiver Deion Branch (knee) and cornerback Darius Butler (thigh) are all probable.
