The Walking Wounded: Week 8 Injury Report – Patriots @ Bills

This is a very banged-up football team. Aside from the injuries, the New England Patriots have dealt with COVID-19, an unexpected bye week, strange travel arrangements, and having to play 3 hours after they arrived in Kansas City. It’s not surprising that they are struggling at this point in the season.

WR Julian Edelman (knee) will miss a few weeks after having a precautionary surgery on his knee. No one works harder than Edelman, so this is a well deserved time to rest and heal.

With WR N’Keal Harry (concussion) also out this week, it seems like James White could continue to lead the team in receiving stats.

Once again, injuries along the offensive front create uncertainty on an unstable line. With G Shaq Mason (calf), and G Joe Thuney (ankle) all questionable against the Bills, the shuffling of the offensive line continues for another week.

The defensive injuries are just as concerning as the injuries on offense. CB Stephon Gilmore (knee) and DB Kyle Dugger (ankle) have been key players in the defensive backfield and losing them could be disastrous against a much-improved Bills passing game. Neither player traveled with the team to Buffalo and will not play on Sunday.

LB Shilique Calhoun (knee) and DT Lawrence Guy (ankle) leave the defensive line vulnerable if they aren’t ready to go by Sunday. The 49ers rushing attack slashed the Patriots after Guy was injured during the second quarter.

One last interesting note. Sunday’s game will be the first Patriots game not featuring Tom Brady or Julian Edelman since December 28, 2008.

–Travis Baltes is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter @TravisBaltes