New England Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib (31) breaks up a pass in the end zone intended for Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Roddy White (84) in the final seconds in the fourth quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots and Carolina Panthers are set to face off on Monday night for arguably the most highly anticipated MNF game of the season, and the Patriots will likely get two star players back for this crucial contest. Shane Vereen is eligible to be activated off of the short-term injured reserve, and all indications are that the Patriots versatile RB will be activated. His status will likely come down to a game-time decision, but he should be out there in some sort of a limited role.
Aqib Talib seems even more likely to play on Monday, because he’s been consistently practicing all week and has seemingly had plenty of time to heal from the hip flexor strain he suffered in Week 6. Talib hasn’t played since then, but he should be back out there this week to face physical Carolina Panthers star receiver Steve Smith. That one-on-one matchup is going to be a treat to watch, and both players have already been busy praising eachother ahead of the game.
According to a league source close to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, “current indications” are that the Patriots will get Talib back against the Panthers, and I would honestly be shocked if Talib were out this week. He seems fully healthy, he’s out there practicing, and the Patriots wouldn’t want to hold out their star corner out of an important game like this one.
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