Danny Amendola Injury: Patriots are very optimistic

New England Patriots wide receiver Danny Amendola (80) catches a pass against the Buffalo Bills during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Fantasy owners of New England Patriots star WR Danny Amendola should tentatively expect Amendola to play tomorrow against the Cincinnati Bengals, and there is more good news to go around regarding the status of the Patriots slot receiver. According to the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe, the Patriots “remain highly optimistic” about Amendola’s chances at playing, while the Patriots are “highly pessimistic” on the chances of Rob Gronkowski playing.

I find it interesting that the Patriots are “pessimistic” with Gronk’s status, because Gronkowski is healthy enough to play at this point. It’s just that the Patriots and Gronkowski want him to be undoubtedly 100%, since they wisely want to make sure he is as healthy as possible going forward and won’t suffer a setback when he is most needed (like in the playoffs). Both sides seem to be on the same page with that, so it is weird to see that the Patriots are “highly pessimistic” on his chances of playing. Either way, I don’t expect him to play until Week 6 against the New Orleans Saints, and I would be surprised if he returns sooner or later than that date.

Danny Amendola isn’t a lock to play tomorrow by any means, but it sounds like he will most likely play. Not only are the Patriots significantly optimistic about Amendola’s chance of playing, but he also hinted yesterday that he would play tomorrow. He’s made a lot of progress in the past two weeks, and I think he’s healthy enough to play. But the issue here is whether or not the Patriots think it is best to have Amendola sit out another week and rest, and that will most likely be the deciding factor for Amendola’s Week 5 status.

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