FOXBORO, Mass. — The New England Patriots were able to use their playoff bye week to get some key players back to full heath.
Five players were removed from the Patriots’ injury report from the last time the team had to file one after practice. Defensive end Rob Ninkovich (ankle), cornerback Aqib Talib (hip), offensive tackles Nate Solder (concussion) and Marcus Cannon (ankle) and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (knee) were all removed from the injury report over the last 12 days. The Patriots last released an injury report on Friday Dec. 27.
Safety Devin McCourty (concussion) was upgraded from non-participant to limited, while wide receiver Aaron Dobson (foot) was downgraded from limited to out. Guard Logan Mankins was added to the injury report with an ankle injury. He was limited in practice.
Wide receiver Josh Boyce (ankle) and linebacker Brandon Spikes (knee) have been placed on injured reserve since Week 17.
Cornerbacks Kyle Arrington (groin) and Alfonzo Dennard (knee/shoulder), linebacker Dane Fletcher (groin), safety Steve Gregory (finger/knee), tackle Will Svitek (ankle), wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins (hip) and running back Shane Vereen (groin) remain limited.
Wide receiver Danny Amendola (groin) and quarterback Tom Brady (right shoulder) remain full participants despite their injuries.
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