The New England Patriots completed one of their most impressive wins of the season on Sunday night, erasing an 11 point deficit to defeat the Baltimore Ravens on the road, 28-24. Pats QB Drake Maye led two efficient drives to give New England the lead late, before K’Lavon Chaisson sealed the deal on defense with a forced fumble on Zay Flowers.
It was certainly another box checked on the development of this iteration of the Patriots with Maye and Mike Vrabel at the helm; they proved they could lead a comeback late in a game against a strong opponent.
But, this is the NFL we’re talking about, and no physical game like that comes without it’s consequences.
During his midweek press conference on Tuesday morning, Vrabel announced that wide receiver Kayshon Boutte, running back TreVeyon Henderson, and guard Jared Wilson are all in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
Henderson exited in the second quarter of the game after snapping his head against the turf as he was tackled. He didn’t return to the game.
Boutte was injured on the controversial non-pass interference play in the fourth quarter, as he also snapped his head back when he was tackled by the Ravens’ Marlon Humphrey.
Wilson was a surprising addition to the concussion protocol, as he played 100 percent of the Patriots’ offensive snaps on Sunday night.
No official injury designations have been assigned to any of the three as of Dec. 23.
Offensive Depth Will Take a Hit if All Three Miss Time
Boutte and Wilson have both dealt with injuries already this season, while Henderson was the only healthy RB for a few weeks after Antonio Gibson, Rhamondre Stevenson, and Terrell Jennings all missed time.
Boutte has become one of Maye’s favorite targets on mid-range routes. Without him in the lineup, rookie Kyle Williams would likely see a rise in targets. Williams has only caught seven passes this season, but three have been long touchdown receptions.
Henderson has emerged as a potential offensive rookie of the year candidate in the second half of the season. He and Stevenson have shared the backfield, and each have defined roles; Henderson as the straight-line speed, home run hitter, Stevenson as the hard-nosed, three yards and a could of dust guy.
Losing Henderson would hurt, but Stevenson has experience as a lead back and should be able to handle a higher work load if the team needs him to.
Wilson, a third round draft pick in 2025, has solidified the offensive line this season, even though his PFF grades may not reflect that. Ben Brown would more than likely step up in his potential absence.
Two Patriots Named to Pro Bowl Roster
Drake Maye and Christian Gonzalez have both been named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster. Maye made the Pro Bowl roster last season as a replacement selection, while this will be Gonzalez’ first time time receiving the honor.
Hopefully they’ll be preoccupied with Super Bowl preparation come Pro Bowl time.
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