Patriots vs. Bills injury analysis: DeVante Parker’s momentum halted by another injury
The New England Patriots already were without several core contributors heading into their Week 17 matchup with the Buffalo Bills. Things did not get much better during the 27-21 loss either: wide receiver DeVante Parker and linebacker Jahlani Tavai were the latest members of the starting lineup to go down, even though the latter was able to return to the game.
With that said, let’s assess the damage after re-watching the game and find out what those injuries might mean for the Patriots moving forward.
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Injury analysis
WR DeVante Parker: One of Bailey Zappe’s favorite targets since he took over as New England’s starting quarterback, Parker had been able to build some momentum over the last few games. However, it came to a halt versus Buffalo: after hauling in a 15-yard catch in the early second quarter, and trying to chase down cornerback Rasul Douglas on a pick-six later on the same drive, he exited the game with a rib injury. The veteran wideout was announced as questionable to return, but he did not reenter the contest.
G Atonio Mafi: On two occasions — once in the first and once in the second half — the Patriots’ starting left guard exited the game in favor of fellow rookie Jake Andrews. Mafi was spotted stretching on the sideline and did reenter the game after his first departure. He did not return after the second, and therefore ended the game with 40 snaps compared to Andrews’ 13
LB Jahlani Tavai: Tavai has been a productive and durable member of the Patriots’ starting defense this season, so there was some concern when he went down late in the third quarter. But despite getting banged up on an 8-yard run, staying down, and slowly walking off with members of the training staff, he did return to the game shortly thereafter and finished with an 82.6 percent playing time share.
QB Bailey Zappe: The Patriots’ starting quarterback ended up playing all 53 offensive snaps, and no injury was announced by the club in-game. However, he was spotted walking to the podium for his postgame presser in quite a gingerly fashion after taking three sacks.
What this means for the Patriots
With only one game left in the Patriots’ season, and them already eliminated from playoff contention and locked into fourth place in the division, there is no real need to risk anything injury-wise. Based on the game against Buffalo, this might be relevant for DeVante Parker: his injury is the only one that might be a concern heading into Week 18.
If he is indeed limited or even unable to go, the Patriots will likely again split his reps between fellow wide receivers Tyquan Thornton and Jalen Reagor. The duo combined to catch four passes for 63 yards versus the Bills.
New England’s injury statuses will become more clear on Wednesday, when the third-to-last injury report of the year will get released. Parker and Jahlani Tavai are two players worth keeping an eye on, on top of those who were already either limited or absent against the Bills.
