FOXBORO, Mass. — The bye week might have done more damage than good for the New England Patriots’ health.
Wide receiver Brandon LaFell, defensive tackle Dominique Easley and defensive end Chandler Jones were absent for the start of Patriots practice Tuesday. Easley appeared to suffer a leg injury last Wednesday during the Patriots’ lone bye week practice. He limped to a cart during practice and was attended to by trainers while the rest of his teammates participated in drills.
It’s unclear why LaFell missed practice Tuesday. He didn’t appear to suffer an injury during last Sunday’s 43-21 win over the Denver Broncos, and he practiced last Wednesday. The Patriots aren’t required to release a practice participation and injury report Tuesday, so if LaFell is hurt, the team won’t announce it until Wednesday.
Jones has been out since Week 7, when he played through a mid-game hip injury. Jones’ initial diagnosis said he likely would be out for a month.
Cornerback Logan Ryan, safety Tavon Wilson, linebacker Ja’Gared Davis, wide receiver Josh Boyce and defensive end Jake Bequette wore black practice player of the week jerseys.
UPDATE 8:52 p.m.: LaFell missed practice because he has strep throat, a source told the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe.
Photo via Greg M. Cooper/USA TODAY Sports Images
