TUCSON, Ariz. — The New England Patriots received some great news on the injury front before their trip to Las Vegas.
Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers (concussion), running back Rhamondre Stevenson (ankle) and cornerback Jack Jones (knee) all returned to the field Friday at the Patriots’ final practice at the University of Arizona.
All three had been viewed as long shots to play against the Raiders. This development considerably improves their chances of suiting up Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.
Having any of those players back and healthy would be a major boost for the Patriots.
Meyers is their unquestioned No. 1 receiver. Stevenson is one of the NFL’s best all-around backs, leading New England in both rushing yards and receptions. He and Meyers have 58 and 50 catches this season, respectively. No other Patriot has more than 30. Jones is one of New England’s top three corners and is enjoying an impressive rookie season.
A few other notable players remained sidelined Friday, with wide receiver DeVante Parker (concussion) and offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn (foot) both held out of practice for the third consecutive day. Starting cornerback Jalen Mills also was absent after practicing in a limited capacity Wednesday and Thursday.
Mills is recovering from a groin injury that kept him out of the last two games. Wynn has not played since Week 11. Parker is in concussion protocol after getting knocked out of Monday night’s win over the Arizona Cardinals.
The 7-6 Patriots will be looking to bolster their playoff position as they visit Josh McDaniels and the 5-8 Raiders. New England enters Week 15 in possession of the third and final AFC wild-card spot thanks to tiebreakers over the New York Jets and Los Angeles Chargers.
Las Vegas boasts one of the NFL’s worst defenses but a dangerous collection of offensive weapons headlined by wide receiver Davante Adams and NFL rushing leader Josh Jacobs. The Raiders also designated tight end Darren Waller and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow to return from injured reserve this week, though it remains unclear whether either will be activated before Sunday.
