Patriots Lineman Return To Practice Before Broncos Game

The New England Patriots are gearing up for the AFC Championship Game in Denver, and they got a big piece back at practice on Friday.

Garrett Bradbury was not on the injury report on Wednesday, but was added on Thursday with an illness. He did not practice at all on Thursday, but he was back at practice on Friday, according to The Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.

Bradbury signed with the Patriots last offseason after spending six seasons with the Minnesota Vikings. He has started all 17 games for the Patriots at center and is a key member of their offensive line.

Going against a Denver Broncos pass rush that led the league in sacks this season means the Patriots will need their offensive line to be its best. That means having Bradbury on the field.

Denver had 68 sacks and 164 quarterback hits in the regular season. Both marks led the league. Meanwhile, the Patriots have let up 48 sacks this season, the ninth most in football.

Nick Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper combined for 22 sacks as outside rushers. Bonitto was a Pro Bowler, and Morgan Moses and Will Campbell will have their hands full. However, the Broncos also get after the quarterback with their interior rush.

Zach Allen was a First-Team All-Pro and had 7.5 sacks. John Franklin-Myers had 7.5 sacks as well. Bradbury, Michael Onwenu and Jared Wilson will also have to have great games to keep Drake Maye clean.