Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots Injury Report
(27) is called for pass interference as New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) drops a pass during the second quarter of a game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
This week’s matchup between the New England Patriots and Houston Texans looked like a tough one before the season started for the Patriots, especially since it came following a date with the Denver Broncos. But due to Matt Schaub‘s mental implosion and key injuries, the Texans are a measly 2-9 and a far cry from where we thought they would be (you know, a sure-fire playoff team). As Bill Belichick said, though, this Texans team still has talent, and it would be criminal for anyone to completely overlook them despite their horrible play lately. Below are the injury reports for both teams, with kickoff set for 1:00 p.m. ET at Reliant Stadium.
Houston Texans
Out
FS Jawanza Starling (hamstring)
Questionable
CB Kareem Jackson (ribs)- The Texans No. 2 CB has missed two games with a rib injury, but he is all systems go for tomorrow’s game against the Patriots. If he somehow doesn’t play, then it would be a big loss for the Texans secondary.
CB Brice McCain (hamstring)
Probable
LG Wade Smith (knee)
QB Matt Schaub (not injury related)
LB Joe Mays (knee)
RT Derek Newton (knee)
LB Jeff Tarpinian (groin)- A former Patriot
S Shiloh Keo (neck)
CB Elbert Mack (hamstring)
DE Antonio Smith (not injury related)
LB Darryl Sharpton (back)
RB Ben Tate (ribs)
LB Mike Mohamed (hamstring)
New England Patriots
Out
RT Marcus Cannon (ankle)- He didn’t practice at all this week.
WR Aaron Dobson (foot)- Dobson did not practice this week after picking up an injury last week, so fellow rookie Kenbrell Thompkins will get the start at the “X”. The nature or magnitude of Dobson’s injury is obviously unclear.
TE Michael Hoomanawanui (knee)- Hooman has a knee sprain and will probably return next week. The Patriots signed former Packer D.J. Williams to be the team’s No. 2 or 3 TE (it’s unclear whether or not he would play over Matthew Mulligan).
Questionable
CB Marquice Cole (shin)
CB Kyle Arrington (groin)
SS Steve Gregory (finger)
LB Chris White (back)
CB Alfonzo Dennard (knee)- Dennard will most likely play after returning to practice on Friday, and he somehow started last week against the Broncos. His presence was needed in a game of that magnitude and against the Broncos receivers, so it was definitely great to see him make a quicker than expected return.
TE Rob Gronkowski (back)- Ah yes, the old “questionable every week” routine looks to be back.
Probable
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
WR Matthew Slater (wrist)
RB Shane Vereen (wrist)
LB Brandon Spikes (knee)
WR Danny Amendola (groin)
CB Aqib Talib (hip)